Nicholas named Solheim Cup captain

LONDON, England -- Former U.S. Open champion Alison Nicholas will captain Europe in the 2009 Solheim Cup contest, succeeding Swede Helen Alfredsson.

The 45-year-old Nicholas, of England, played against the Americans six times and has served as a vice-captain or assistant since then.

She was strong favorite to lead Europe at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois when the Americans will defend the cup they retained in Sweden this summer.

Nicholas said: "We face a big challenge, but I don't believe that anything is impossible. I want to enjoy the whole experience and to have fun with my team. I want to help them to be the best that they can be."

Nicholas was twice on the winning side as a player, forming a powerful partnership with Laura Davies and finishing with a record of seven wins, three halves and eight losses.

She was vice-captain to Catrin Nilsmark when the Americans were beaten again in Sweden in 2005, but Europe have lost the last two matches and trail 7-3 in the series.

"I'm really excited and very passionate about the Solheim Cup," Nicholas said. "It's a magnificent competition and something that I always look forward to.

"I always enjoyed playing and I enjoyed the last four events even though I wasn't playing. It's been a very special part of my golfing career."

The Americans have already appointed Beth Daniel as captain. E-mail to a friend