US Solheim Cup team surprised by venue

US Solheim Cup captain Pat Bradley was pleasantly surprised when she took a look today at the Loch Lomond course where her team will face the Europeans in October.

US Solheim Cup captain Pat Bradley was pleasantly surprised when she took a look today at the Loch Lomond course where her team will face the Europeans in October.

Bradley, who will make her captaincy debut in the October 6-8 match, feels the course, which hosts the last men's event before July's Open Championship, will be good for her players.

"It's a fine course, a great track and I think it will be a tremendous match play venue," she said. "It balances out both sides. But coming to Europe you expect a great links so in that respect it is a bit of a surprise."

"I think if it were a true links course it would be advantage Europeans."

Bradley said she felt the course has "a little of an American touch to it."

The Americans have won four of the five past Solheim Cups - including the last three in a row.

Europe's only success came at Dalmahoy, Scotland, in 1992.

Rosie Jones, the one sure member who played today, said she was already smitten by the place.

"I love the golf course. I had a great day out there today. I feel very comfortable on the golf course. The design is something very familiar to us. It's playing long and will play longer in October. But I can't wait."

Potential players for the team accompanying Bradley were Michelle McGann and Brandie Burton, both with past Solheim experience, Nancy Scranton, Tina Barrett and Michelle Redman.

All are near selection with four more events to clinch spots or impress enough to be one of Bradley's two wild cards for the 12-women team, which will be named September 24.

Jones played in the first Solheim Cup in the US in 1990 and then again in the last two.

Bradley said the battle for places had been intense.

"For two years, they have really grinded. They have played beyond their physical and mental capabilities trying to catch those extra points.

"It really has been something to watch these players go that extra mile and commit themselves to this great event."