US turn to Juli Inkster for Solheim Cup

Juli Inkster, the most prolific American in Solheim Cup history, has been selected captain of a team that has lost the last two times to Europe.

Juli Inkster. Picture: AP

Inkster was set to be introduced last night at the JTBC Founders Cup, the first domestic event of the LPGA Tour season. She holds the US record for most Solheim Cup appearances (nine), most points won (18) and most matches won (15).

Europe won in Ireland in 2011, and then steamrolled the Americans in Colorado last summer for their first win on US soil. The 2015 match takes place at St Leon-Rot in Germany.

“It’s not do or die,” said Inkster. “You’re still going to be the same person when you get on that plane and fly home, but it will be a lot more enjoyable flight if we have that cup with us. It’s not rocket science. You just go over there and play some golf, and I think the girls just... believe me, if they just play the way they should play, we’re going to have fun, and we’re going to win.

“The Europeans, they’re hungry. They always seem to play their best golf as a team during Solheim Cup. And we’ve just got to find a way to play to match their intensity and match their golf.”

Inkster’s opposite number is set to be announed in Germany on Friday, 11 April.