U.S. Women's Open Championship
Blackwolf Run
Kohler, Wisconsin
Pre-tournament notes and interviews
July 3 & 4, 2012
Blackwolf Run
Kohler, Wisconsin
Pre-tournament notes and interviews
July 3 & 4, 2012
Meg Mallon, U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain and Dottie Pepper, U.S. Solheim Cup Asst. Captain
Paula Creamer, Rolex Rankings No. 12 and 2010 U.S. Women's Open champion
Joe Goode, Martha Lang & Ben Kimball, United States Golf Association
Lexi Thompson, Rolex Rankings No. 23
Stacy Lewis, Rolex Rankings No. 2
Se Ri Pak, Rolex Rankings No. 33 and 1998 U.S. Women's Open champion
Cristie Kerr, Rolex Rankings No. 8 and 2007 U.S. Women's Open champion
So Yeon Ryu, Rolex Rankings No. 20 and 2011 U.S. Women's Open champion
Michelle Wie, Rolex Rankings No. 40
Juli Inkster, Rolex Rankings No. 73 and 2002 U.S. Women's Open champion
Yani Tseng, Rolex Rankings No. 1
Cheyenne Woods
Paula Creamer, Rolex Rankings No. 12 and 2010 U.S. Women's Open champion
Joe Goode, Martha Lang & Ben Kimball, United States Golf Association
Lexi Thompson, Rolex Rankings No. 23
Stacy Lewis, Rolex Rankings No. 2
Se Ri Pak, Rolex Rankings No. 33 and 1998 U.S. Women's Open champion
Cristie Kerr, Rolex Rankings No. 8 and 2007 U.S. Women's Open champion
So Yeon Ryu, Rolex Rankings No. 20 and 2011 U.S. Women's Open champion
Michelle Wie, Rolex Rankings No. 40
Juli Inkster, Rolex Rankings No. 73 and 2002 U.S. Women's Open champion
Yani Tseng, Rolex Rankings No. 1
Cheyenne Woods
Level headed: Rolex Rankings No. 2 Stacy Lewis will be playing for her second major championship this week and third win in the 2012 season. Lewis currently ranks No. 1 in Rolex Player of the Year points and hopes to learn from the challenges she faced in last year's U.S. Women's Open at the Broadmoor.
"I think I look back to last year's U.S. Open and I was doing really well through about a round‑and‑a‑half," said Lewis. "And then kind of the middle of the tournament my attitude got in the way. I was kind of trying to force some things. I would get upset over some bad shots and kind of really get down on myself. So that's something I've been working on this year, is to stay a little bit more level, and especially at a U.S. Open you have to stay patient. So that's one thing I'll look to this week."
Lewis' improvements on her mental game have allowed her to take her game to the next level this season and became the top-ranked American in Rolex Rankings after her win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. She said her consistency and ability to put four solids rounds together has led her to be in contention each week on Tour.
"I think that's what has helped me so far this year," said Lewis. "I think I played a lot more consistent because I just stayed more patient. You know you're going to hit a bad shot, especially on this golf course. You're probably going to hit one in a hazard. You're probably going to have one in the high grass. You're going to hit a bad shot. Just being okay with that and knowing I can come back and make some birdies after that."
"I think that's what has helped me so far this year," said Lewis. "I think I played a lot more consistent because I just stayed more patient. You know you're going to hit a bad shot, especially on this golf course. You're probably going to hit one in a hazard. You're probably going to have one in the high grass. You're going to hit a bad shot. Just being okay with that and knowing I can come back and make some birdies after that."
Lewis knows what it takes to win a major as she made the leap into Poppie's Pond after winning the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage, Calif. and knows that if every club in her bag is not on, the course will get the best of her.
"Well, a major you have to have every aspect of your game," said Lewis. "It tests every club in your bag. You have to hit wedges well, you have to hit 4‑irons good. Certain tournament weeks you don't have to hit your long irons so well because the golf course may be a little shorter, you have a lot of wedges, short irons. So the majors are a mental grind, and everything has to be spot‑on. If it's not, the golf course ‑‑ they will pull out your weaknesses for sure."
Still a kid at heart: Lexi Thompson has had the 'youngest player' tag on her for quite some time and for good reason. Thompson, who has accomplished so much at such a young age, is looking forward to bringing her earned experience to her sixth U.S. Open this week.
Thompson qualified for her first Open in 2007 at the age of 12, becoming the youngest player in history to ever do so. After two missed cuts in 2007 and 2008, Thompson finished T34 in 2009 at Saucon Valley Country Club and followed it up with a top-10 finish in 2010 at the vaunted Oakmont Country Club.
"I've just grown mentally," said Thompson. "I would say from my first Open, I've grown with length to just getting older. But mentally has been a big learning experience for me. So I think that's really important on the Open golf course."
Thompson can now be considered experienced when it comes to Opens, with five years under belt, but she still remembers the nerves that got to her that first tee shot back in 2007.
"The one thing I remember from that one Open is my first tee shot," said Thompson. "I teed off at 10. I was the most nervous I've ever been over a shot. My legs were shaking and everything. I ended up hitting a good tee shot.
"It was really exciting to be there," said Thompson. "I learned a lot. I learned by watching other players' games what I needed to improve on."
"The one thing I remember from that one Open is my first tee shot," said Thompson. "I teed off at 10. I was the most nervous I've ever been over a shot. My legs were shaking and everything. I ended up hitting a good tee shot.
"It was really exciting to be there," said Thompson. "I learned a lot. I learned by watching other players' games what I needed to improve on."
Thompson played with two 14-year old players in a practice round this week at Blackwolf Run and is impressed with the even younger generation that is following in her footsteps.
"It's pretty cool to see, just their games and how they got there," said Thompson. "They just have to play their own game and not focus on anybody else. That's what everybody does in the Open. You just have to play the golf course.
Although she may seem like a seasoned veteran to the youngsters in the field this week, Thompson says she's still a normal teenager at heart and will try to keep the pressure off herself in her pursuit of her first major championship.
"I'm still a little kid inside," said Thompson. "You still have to have fun off the golf course and on it. So just relax and not put any pressure on yourself."
American girls: Any American golfer can attest to having a dream of winning the U.S. Open Championship. Paula Creamer, the last American to win the national championship spoke on Wednesday about how she would love to keep the trophy in the States and how there's a national pride amongst the Americans to win.
"Of course," said Creamer. "I mean, you want an American to win the national championship."
But Creamer said she's not blind to the amount of international talent that threatens to take the title overseas.
"The competition is what it is right now," said Creamer. "There's a lot of great players from all over. They're pushing women's golf for everybody.
"Of course there's a little added pressure on the Americans to do well," said Creamer. "Every week there is. Being such a big and important event to all of us, it's the person who I guess in a sense doesn't put as much pressure on themself to do well that will be there."
Wardrobe function: The Solheim Cup provides some of the most exciting golf the game can provide and while the U.S. team wants to always play well, they want to look good too. Solheim Cup uniforms and outerwear always gives the fashion forward fan something to look forward to. U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Meg Mallon said wardrobe choices have been some of the first responsibilities she's taken on as captain.
"I've already been out for clothing, for rain gear," said Mallon. "Sunice and Antigua have been wonderful to work with. As funny as it sounds, clothing is a big deal. Players want to be comfortable, and it means a lot. So that's a tedious process, but a fun one as well."
"I've already been out for clothing, for rain gear," said Mallon. "Sunice and Antigua have been wonderful to work with. As funny as it sounds, clothing is a big deal. Players want to be comfortable, and it means a lot. So that's a tedious process, but a fun one as well."
Newly appointed Assistant Captain Dottie Pepper shared some insight on her white pants, blue paisley top combo she wore for the Wednesday morning press conference.
"I will share our first clothing issue from last night," said Pepper. "This was not on the radar this week, certainly. Meg said, 'what are you going to wear?' I said, 'I have a white shirt and some red pants.'"
Pepper figured she'd be in patriotic spirits on the 4th of July and representing her team's colors. But a flashback from the 1992 Solheim Cup made her do some wardrobe adjusting.
"I thought, 'Oh, great. For 4th of July, it's all patriotic. All you. Perfect,' said Pepper. I sent her a text last night and said, 'I'm rethinking this red pants thing.' And I said, 'remember in 1992 we lost and wearing red pants on Sunday?' And we all made a vow on that team to never wear red pants again when it came to the Solheim Cup. So I'm wearing white."
"I thought, 'Oh, great. For 4th of July, it's all patriotic. All you. Perfect,' said Pepper. I sent her a text last night and said, 'I'm rethinking this red pants thing.' And I said, 'remember in 1992 we lost and wearing red pants on Sunday?' And we all made a vow on that team to never wear red pants again when it came to the Solheim Cup. So I'm wearing white."
Fans can expect the U.S. squad to look great, but don't place your bets on any red bottoms
Emotional leader: Dottie Pepper was always known for being a fiery competitor while she played on the LPGA Tour, but at no time was that more apparent than when she played on the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. And now the 2013 U.S. Solheim Cup Team will get to experience that same passion and intensity.
U.S. Solheim Cup Captain Meg Mallon announced Wednesday during a press conference at the U.S. Women's Open that Pepper will be one of her assistant captains for the 2013 Solheim Cup.
"I'm so excited for Dottie," Mallon said. "Dottie and I have played our whole careers together, competed against each other, fought for each other on five Solheim Cups, five or six. I'm just thrilled to have her by my side."
Pepper got emotional during the announcement, shedding tears before even getting a chance to speak about her new role. It led to Mallon joking that Pepper was killing her and that she has "Nancy Lopez, Jr. to my right here." But there was no question that the appointment as an assistant captain meant a significant amount to Pepper, especially considering the backlash she received following a controversial comment that she made about the U.S. Team while broadcasting during the 2007 Solheim Cup.
"I don't know if there's a broadcaster in sports or even in sports themselves that hasn't said something that they don't regret saying, whether it was intended for air," Pepper said. "I reached out to that team immediately as soon as I knew it had happened. I reached out to the LPGA to get a message that they could put my head on a plate if they so cared to. I felt like I did the right thing. There was definitely a lot of hurt in both directions. I have had a number of players reach out to me. Some very upset, some not. Some with a bit of a joke in their voice. But there's not a day really that goes by that I don't regret that it happened. And we all learn. "
Quotable…"I've been there before. I know what it takes. I want it so bad. I want it more now than anything I've ever wanted it. As I said, I feel very mentally strong right now. And I think that's going to be the biggest difference." –Paula Creamer
Tweet of the Day: Goes to Ron Sirak on the announcement of newly appointed U.S. Solheim Cup Team Assistant Captain, Dottie Pepper.
"My take on Dottie Pepper being forgiven for her accidental on-air comment during 2007 Solheim Cup? It's about time!" --@ronsirak
The 67th annual U.S. Women's Open conducted by the USGA takes place at the vaunted Blackwolf Run Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin this week, marking the second time the course plays host to the major championship. The third of four majors this year, the field will feature 156 players competing for a $3.25 million purse and the season's largest first-place check at $585,000.
Fourteen years ago, the course saw one of the most epic finishes in U.S. Women's Open history. LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Se Ri Pak became the youngest winner of the title in 1998 during her rookie season, outlasting amateur Jenny Chuasiriporn in a two-hole playoff. If the course wasn't intimidating then, it will be this year. With 6,984 yards of brand new bentgrass, the course it projected to play a bit firmer and faster. While it's more than 500 yards longer than it played in 1998, players will get some slack as it changes to a par-72 instead of 71.
Last year's U.S. Women's Open was played at the Broadmoor Country Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Rolex Rankings No. 20 So Yeon Ryu defeated fellow South Korean Hee Kyung Seo in the tournament's first-ever all-international playoff. Four straight days of delays due to weather made the final day seem long enough, and a three-hole sudden death playoff made it that much longer. The two travel to Kohler, WI. this week with hopes of being in contention again.
Experience matters? Of the 156 players in this week's field at the U.S. Women's Open, only nine competed when the event was last held at Blackwolf Run back in 1998. But for some of the players who took on this course 14 years ago, they are not sure if the extra experience is going to matter this week.
Fourteen years ago, the course saw one of the most epic finishes in U.S. Women's Open history. LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Se Ri Pak became the youngest winner of the title in 1998 during her rookie season, outlasting amateur Jenny Chuasiriporn in a two-hole playoff. If the course wasn't intimidating then, it will be this year. With 6,984 yards of brand new bentgrass, the course it projected to play a bit firmer and faster. While it's more than 500 yards longer than it played in 1998, players will get some slack as it changes to a par-72 instead of 71.
Last year's U.S. Women's Open was played at the Broadmoor Country Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Rolex Rankings No. 20 So Yeon Ryu defeated fellow South Korean Hee Kyung Seo in the tournament's first-ever all-international playoff. Four straight days of delays due to weather made the final day seem long enough, and a three-hole sudden death playoff made it that much longer. The two travel to Kohler, WI. this week with hopes of being in contention again.
Experience matters? Of the 156 players in this week's field at the U.S. Women's Open, only nine competed when the event was last held at Blackwolf Run back in 1998. But for some of the players who took on this course 14 years ago, they are not sure if the extra experience is going to matter this week.
"All I remember about this golf course, it doesn't matter how many times you play, how long you spend time here, it doesn't really matter, I think. I remember it was so difficult," said Se Ri Pak, who won the U.S. Women's Open that year in a 20-hole playoff. "But whatever the USGA set up, the golf course is really hard. Especially this year, I guess, more the lengths ‑‑ the distance."
Yet some like Cristie Kerr, who finished 60th back in 1998, believe that knowing the holes and the previous setup of the course could provide an edge to the few players who competed here the first time around.
"I think it's definitely an advantage to have played here the last time to know where you can hit it, where you can't miss it and kind of overall how the course is going to play, how they move tees around," said Kerr, whose first U.S. Women's Open as a pro was at Blackwolf Run. "I remember hitting a 7‑iron into the 6th hole from up tee to the front right pin. I remember going for the seventh hole when they moved the tee way up, the par‑5 in 2, having a long bunker shot. Just things that you remember.
"I think that because I've been here before, I kind of know what to expect. And I have more of a comfort level certainly than I did in 1998."
The other players who were in the field in '98 that are playing again this week are: Isabelle Beiseigel (T36), Pat Hurst (T4), Juli Inkster (MC), Lorie Kane (T19), Catriona Matthew (MC), Wendy Ward (T19) and Karrie Webb (T31).
The Course Has Teeth: The U.S. Women's Open Championship historically has been considered one of golf's toughest tests and players on Tuesday in Kohler agreed. The course at Blackwolf Run has earned the reputation as a difficult track and the field this week will have to bring their A-games to post low numbers.
Se Ri Pak, the first player to record a U.S Open victory at Blackwolf Run says once players get out onto the course, hole-by-hole course management is essential.
"Every single hole you have to really plan the next shot," says Pak. "You don't have a chance for it. This golf course you really have to have course management, how you play this next shot, how ‑‑ second shot coming to the next shot. And on the green, from the fairway, bunker and rough. It's going to be tons of work to do. So today, I'll be going out for the first time in 14 years. It's going to be a lot more work for it. But I'm very excited about that."
Juli Inkster, who missed the cut back in 1998, attested to the tricky greens and how the winner of this event will need to have a hot putter all week.
"They're tough," said Inkster of the greens. "They're sneaky fast. You feel like it's the speed you want it and it gets there and then it just keeps rolling. Especially if you're going up and then over, it's really tough to judge the speed. So you're going to have a lot of 4, 5, 6‑footers for par. The winner of this tournament is going to make those."
Rolex Rankings No. 8 Cristie Kerr said that the setup in Kohler is the most challenging course she has ever played.
"I think it is," said Kerr. "It's just really demanding. It really doesn't let up. There's no easy birdie holes at all. There are really no give‑me holes here. That's when they say Blackwolf Run has teeth in it, it really does."
Feels Like Yesterday: 1998 U.S. Women's Open champion Se Ri Pak will have plenty of chances this week to relive some of the best memories from her career that came during her first-career major championship run 14 years ago at Blackwolf Run. The 25-time LPGA Tour winner says the memories are still fresh.
"It feels like yesterday," said Pak. "There aren't any big differences at all. One big difference is I'm a little bit older than last time I was here. That's the difference."
With some more years of experience under her belt this time around, Pak will try to bring the good vibes onto the course this week.
"I feel really special," said Pak. "Because you win the U.S. Open in '98 and came back 14 years later to the same golf course. I still play and I still play my game ‑‑ my game is not as perfect as a couple of years ago but I still feel great.
"My game is getting better every single week," said Pak. "But I guess I think my heart knows that this week is giving a lot of great momentum. I have a lot of energy. This week it doesn't matter good or bad, but I really want to be out here again. So I think that will make me successful again."
Advice from a Hero: Defending U.S. Women's Open champion So Yeon Ryu spoke on Tuesday about the influence of the 1998 Open at Blackwolf Run when compatriot Se Ri Pak became the first South Korean to win an LPGA major championship. She describes the event as the tournament that inspired her to pursue a career in professional golf.
"It's definitely 1998 U.S. Women's Open," said Ryu. "Definitely. That's a really big tournament. So that's why the last year when I won the U.S. Women's Open, Se Ri following the playoff. It was huge for me, because she's my hero. I was pretty inspired with the 1998 U.S. Open. So that moment is a really, really special thing for me."
Ryu said she has taken some advice from her hero on how to manage her preparation for this week and was surprised at the words of wisdom Pak gave her.
"Actually, it's really interesting that she said don't take too much practice at the golf course because sometimes too much information makes you crazy," said Ryu. "And I totally understand it, because when I came here for the first time at media day, almost one month ago, the first time I played the course, I didn't feel bad. But after that, the course feels like getting more tough and tough."
Ryu said she has been light on the practice this week but now knows that putting will be the key, something that Pak said she needs to focus on.
"I just decided to practice 9 holes and 9 holes, and that's it," said Ryu. "Se Ri said the putting is really important. So I focused on the speed at the putting green. Anyway, Se Ri said keep the expectations low. No more practice at the golf course. Just trust yourself. So I will."
Open Tested: LPGA Tour veteran and career-grand slam winner Juli Inkster will be playing in her 33rd U.S. Women's Open this week, tying the record for most appearances by an Open champion. Only Marlene Hagge has competed in more U.S. Opens and a national championship to her name. Inkster calls the event 'the ultimate golf tournament.'
"It's a test not only of your physical skills but your mental skills," said Inkster. "So, you know, as far as me, it's the tournament of the year. I had elbow surgery in January, and I really worked hard to get back to try to be able to play the Open. So that was my goal."
Inkster said it's truly her love for the game that keeps her going after all of these years and that the milestone doesn't make her feel hold, but accomplished.
"Well, I feel great," said Inkster. "It's just longevity. I play because I love the game, and I think a lot of it is because I did start late playing golf. And I was never really pressured into playing golf. I just played golf because I loved it. Thirty years later I still love it. That's why I play."
"Well, I feel great," said Inkster. "It's just longevity. I play because I love the game, and I think a lot of it is because I did start late playing golf. And I was never really pressured into playing golf. I just played golf because I loved it. Thirty years later I still love it. That's why I play."
What's Going On? Yani Tseng enters this week's U.S. Women's Open with yet another opportunity to complete what is considered one of the prestigious honors in golf - the career Grand Slam. Tseng, who last year at the RICOH Women's British Open became the youngest golfer - male or female - to capture five major titles, is missing just one major on her already impressive resume and it's the U.S. Women's Open.
But Tseng is entering this week in the midst of a rough patch. After starting the year with eight straight top-10 finishes, Tseng has struggled in recent weeks. She finished 12th at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, 59th at the Wegmans LPGA Championship and missed first cut since the 2011 Avnet LPGA Classic at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G last week.
When asked what she thought the problem was recently with her game, Tseng didn't hesitate to say it hasn't been her swing that's troubled her.
"It's more about the mental things," Tseng said. "Because my coach Gary Gilrit was here with me like these couple of weeks. He said even my swing now can win in the tournament. So it must be my mental. Because sometimes when I start on tee I still worry about if my ball is going to hit right or left.
"But I feel good this week, actually. I feel very good. I feel very peaceful, and thankful for playing the Open. There's so many I can achieve. The past year how much I've done to winning many tournaments and winning lots of things, it's very thankful for this."
"But I feel good this week, actually. I feel very good. I feel very peaceful, and thankful for playing the Open. There's so many I can achieve. The past year how much I've done to winning many tournaments and winning lots of things, it's very thankful for this."
So with Tseng feeling good this week, the question was asked: Is the career Grand Slam on her mind?
"Of course," Tseng said. " It's hard to not think about, because everybody is talking about it. But like I say, I'm not worried about what's my result this week, because I just going to have fun. To have fun and enjoy the Open. It's very different than the other tournaments. Enjoy the golf course. There's a big crowd here. It's really hard but I try to not think about a result and just think about the process. I think that's the most important thing for me this week."
Patience is a Virtue: Michelle Wie has become accustomed to doing things in a hurry. That's what happens when you have to juggle a career on the LPGA Tour with the demands of pursuing a college degree at Stanford University. But now that Wie has officially graduated with a degree in communications from the prestigious university, she acknowledges that she's had to adjust to the additional time on her hands for her golf game.
"I'm still learning how to not to rush," Wie said. "I still find myself when I practice, I just go, go, go, go and not really rest because I feel I have to be somewhere or do things at a quicker pace. I'm just learning to take my time. I do have all day [to practice], which is really nice."
Slowing things down seems especially important at an event like the U.S. Women's Open, which many consider to be one of the toughest tests in golf and a week that will try the patience of even the most veteran golfer. So it's no surprise that's a message her coach, David Leadbetter, has stressed to her for this tournament.
"I think it's just my nature to be impatient and to try to do everything fast," Wie said. "Like you said, this week is the U.S. Open week. David has always told me walk slower, do everything slower. It's a long ‑‑ it's not a race. It's a marathon here. It's going to take a long time, and just got to take your time, be patient. Also, because it is a long golf course, it takes a lot of energy out of you. You kind of have to conservative that and be aware of that as well."
Wie's career best finish in the U.S. Women's Open came in 2006 when she finished third in 2006, competing as an amateur.
Quotable… "It's been one of those tough kind of years. But I see it as an opportunity. When you're playing this bad, it can really define who you are. I want to become someone that gets through it and becomes a stronger person because of it. And I'm trying really hard. I'm practicing really hard. And the more ‑‑ I feel like the longer this has become, the more I want it. So I think this is a good week to turn things around, and I'm just going to prove to myself that I can do it." -Michelle Wie
KRAIG KANN: Good morning, everybody. My name is Kraig Kann, Chief Communications Officer for the LPGA Tour. Happy 4th of July. And thank you very much for coming this morning. As the best in women's golf takes center stage in a whole lot of ways at one of golf's biggest and very best events, we welcome you to the United States Woman's Open.
I'm joined by the American Solheim Cup captain, Meg Mallon, to my immediate right. Also joined by six-time Solheim Cup team member for the United States, Dottie Pepper is here as well.
The matches are set for August 13-18 in Parker, Colorado, outside Denver at Colorado Golf Club. That is next year, 2013, the 13th edition of the Solheim Cup which is currently in the hands of Team Europe.
Before we begin, I want to say a special thank you very much to the United States Golf Association for allowing us this time and this stage this morning. This is a big platform, we understand. We are glad to be able to share this news with you today here at this event.
This is also a very big week for the women players, double points to qualify for the Solheim Cup team. So I want to get that out here. Without further adieu, Meg, the stage is yours. And I know you have an announcement.
MEG MALLON: Actually, I was just going to announce that eight years ago today I won the U.S. Open. I don't know if you all remember that.
KRAIG KANN: Thank you all for being here.
MEG MALLON: I appreciate that. Obviously I'm thrilled and excited to announce my first assistant captain for the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club as Miss Dottie Pepper.
(Applause).
Who is crying already. She's killing me. She's going to kill me. I have Nancy Lopez, Jr. to my right here. This has been a great process talking to Dottie about becoming the assistant. As you know, when I was announced as captain, I talked about Dottie's role in the Solheim Cup and how important that is and how important I feel that is. I feel that Dottie will be a captain some day and also strongly feel that if you're a captain, especially as big as the Solheim Cup has become, that it's important to be an assistant and be a part of the process.
I'm so excited for Dottie. Dottie and I have played our whole careers together, competed against each other, fought for each other on five Solheim Cups, five or six. I'm just thrilled to have her by my side. I'm going to -- this is Dottie's stage today, so I'm going to let her tell you how she feels, if she can get it out of her mouth right now. But I appreciate you all being here. It's just exciting. Thanks again to the USGA for allowing us to do this special announcement.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Thank you. Thank you all for coming on quick response. This was definitely not planned for this week, to the point that she said to me what are you going to wear? I said, I don't know. I wasn't really -- this was definitely not on the agenda. Although we did speak last week and we've been speaking for a few months, actually. And I don't think anyone really knew. Meg had talked to a few of the players, potential players, past players, and I'm thrilled to be able to reconnect with them, reconnect with the LPGA in an event that obviously matters a lot, mattered a lot to me. I went back, looking -- crossing lines about our careers. And I remember back in the mid-80s when I was at Furman in the spring we always hosted the Ladies College Invitational, and Ohio State always came down, and we always felt so badly for them because the weather was horrible. It snowed, rained, some combination of the other or it was so hot that Meg was as red as her shirt by the time she left because they hadn't seen good weather in so long.
I'm joined by the American Solheim Cup captain, Meg Mallon, to my immediate right. Also joined by six-time Solheim Cup team member for the United States, Dottie Pepper is here as well.
The matches are set for August 13-18 in Parker, Colorado, outside Denver at Colorado Golf Club. That is next year, 2013, the 13th edition of the Solheim Cup which is currently in the hands of Team Europe.
Before we begin, I want to say a special thank you very much to the United States Golf Association for allowing us this time and this stage this morning. This is a big platform, we understand. We are glad to be able to share this news with you today here at this event.
This is also a very big week for the women players, double points to qualify for the Solheim Cup team. So I want to get that out here. Without further adieu, Meg, the stage is yours. And I know you have an announcement.
MEG MALLON: Actually, I was just going to announce that eight years ago today I won the U.S. Open. I don't know if you all remember that.
KRAIG KANN: Thank you all for being here.
MEG MALLON: I appreciate that. Obviously I'm thrilled and excited to announce my first assistant captain for the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club as Miss Dottie Pepper.
(Applause).
Who is crying already. She's killing me. She's going to kill me. I have Nancy Lopez, Jr. to my right here. This has been a great process talking to Dottie about becoming the assistant. As you know, when I was announced as captain, I talked about Dottie's role in the Solheim Cup and how important that is and how important I feel that is. I feel that Dottie will be a captain some day and also strongly feel that if you're a captain, especially as big as the Solheim Cup has become, that it's important to be an assistant and be a part of the process.
I'm so excited for Dottie. Dottie and I have played our whole careers together, competed against each other, fought for each other on five Solheim Cups, five or six. I'm just thrilled to have her by my side. I'm going to -- this is Dottie's stage today, so I'm going to let her tell you how she feels, if she can get it out of her mouth right now. But I appreciate you all being here. It's just exciting. Thanks again to the USGA for allowing us to do this special announcement.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Thank you. Thank you all for coming on quick response. This was definitely not planned for this week, to the point that she said to me what are you going to wear? I said, I don't know. I wasn't really -- this was definitely not on the agenda. Although we did speak last week and we've been speaking for a few months, actually. And I don't think anyone really knew. Meg had talked to a few of the players, potential players, past players, and I'm thrilled to be able to reconnect with them, reconnect with the LPGA in an event that obviously matters a lot, mattered a lot to me. I went back, looking -- crossing lines about our careers. And I remember back in the mid-80s when I was at Furman in the spring we always hosted the Ladies College Invitational, and Ohio State always came down, and we always felt so badly for them because the weather was horrible. It snowed, rained, some combination of the other or it was so hot that Meg was as red as her shirt by the time she left because they hadn't seen good weather in so long.
And then we ended up winning our first LPGA events at the same event, at the Oldsmobile Classic. So the connection goes way way back, and of course, five Solheim Cup teams beginning in 1992. We were book-end losses. So we got to really enjoy the middle and learn from the book-ends. I think that's what I hope I can bring to that team is the things that we learned from both sides of giving the Cup away, getting it back, giving it away, getting it back and hopefully certainly getting it back again.
I told her yesterday that I'm -- what can Brown do for you? I'm the UPS man here. I'm about logistics and trying to make her job easier and putting out whatever fires I can to make her job as being captain as easy as possible and to be able to run anything by me and bounce it off and her to ultimately make the decisions. But to just have, I don't know, somebody who is kind of particular about stats. I feel like I do my homework, and maybe that can help us put the best team forward a year from August. Thank you, by the way, it will be my 48th birthday present Saturday of the matches. Early birthday present for me. Thank you.
MEG MALLON: Nice try.
DOTTIE PEPPER: 48th?
MEG MALLON: Nice try.
KRAIG KANN: We're going to take some questions obviously from the audience. I want to ask, before we do that, the first one to you, Meg, obviously we're seeing some emotion shockingly from Dottie. It's really not what I was expecting to see. I don't know about the folks out here. What do you feel like she's going to add? She said stats and so forth. I don't think she's going to be mailing letters and doing that. But she brings a lot to the table. When you made this choice, why?
MEG MALLON: Well, I'm no dummy. Dottie and I balance each other out very nicely. I'm more of a big-picture person. And Dottie is great on the details and very organized and also has a great knowledge of the golf course, which is going to be helpful as well.
We balance each other very well, and I think as a team and how the team will look at us they'll see the whole package. And that's what I wanted out of my assistants. She's going to fit that role very well.
KRAIG KANN: Dottie, I want to ask you a question that I'm guessing is going to come your way anyway. So I'm going to ask it to you. This is something that will probably be discussed a little bit in the media, as I'm sure you can imagine. Your comments broadcasting the Solheim Cup back in 2007 caused quite a stir. And there were some comments that were not intended for air that did. Have you cleared the air in regard to that? And how do you feel about that issue as it pertains to you being the captain assistant?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I'm going to take Meg's broad-brush stroke and big picture. I don't know if there's a broadcaster in sports or even in sports themselves that hasn't said something that they don't regret saying, whether it's it was intended for air. I reached out to that team immediately as soon as I knew it had happened. I reached out to the LPGA to get a message that they could put my head on a plate if they so cared to. I felt like I did the right thing. There was definitely a lot of hurt in both directions. I have had a number of players reach out to me. Some very upset, some not. Some with a bit of a joke in their voice. But there's not a day really that goes by that I don't regret that it happened. And we all learn.
MEG MALLON: Well, and that being said, I just felt it was enough. I wasn't on that 2007 team, but I was there when it happened. I saw the hurt on the players' faces. When I got home and I listened to the telecast, knowing Dottie as long as I've known her, it just was Dottie in her passion and her passion for the game and her passion for the Solheim Cup. I know it wasn't out of ill will by any part. That's where I feel like Dottie needed to stop carrying this burden around. And that she needs to be a part of this event, and these players need to get to know the Dottie that I know.
KRAIG KANN: Some red, white and blue passion will definitely be there next year. Let's take some questions from the audience. We'll try to get the microphone to you all.
I told her yesterday that I'm -- what can Brown do for you? I'm the UPS man here. I'm about logistics and trying to make her job easier and putting out whatever fires I can to make her job as being captain as easy as possible and to be able to run anything by me and bounce it off and her to ultimately make the decisions. But to just have, I don't know, somebody who is kind of particular about stats. I feel like I do my homework, and maybe that can help us put the best team forward a year from August. Thank you, by the way, it will be my 48th birthday present Saturday of the matches. Early birthday present for me. Thank you.
MEG MALLON: Nice try.
DOTTIE PEPPER: 48th?
MEG MALLON: Nice try.
KRAIG KANN: We're going to take some questions obviously from the audience. I want to ask, before we do that, the first one to you, Meg, obviously we're seeing some emotion shockingly from Dottie. It's really not what I was expecting to see. I don't know about the folks out here. What do you feel like she's going to add? She said stats and so forth. I don't think she's going to be mailing letters and doing that. But she brings a lot to the table. When you made this choice, why?
MEG MALLON: Well, I'm no dummy. Dottie and I balance each other out very nicely. I'm more of a big-picture person. And Dottie is great on the details and very organized and also has a great knowledge of the golf course, which is going to be helpful as well.
We balance each other very well, and I think as a team and how the team will look at us they'll see the whole package. And that's what I wanted out of my assistants. She's going to fit that role very well.
KRAIG KANN: Dottie, I want to ask you a question that I'm guessing is going to come your way anyway. So I'm going to ask it to you. This is something that will probably be discussed a little bit in the media, as I'm sure you can imagine. Your comments broadcasting the Solheim Cup back in 2007 caused quite a stir. And there were some comments that were not intended for air that did. Have you cleared the air in regard to that? And how do you feel about that issue as it pertains to you being the captain assistant?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I'm going to take Meg's broad-brush stroke and big picture. I don't know if there's a broadcaster in sports or even in sports themselves that hasn't said something that they don't regret saying, whether it's it was intended for air. I reached out to that team immediately as soon as I knew it had happened. I reached out to the LPGA to get a message that they could put my head on a plate if they so cared to. I felt like I did the right thing. There was definitely a lot of hurt in both directions. I have had a number of players reach out to me. Some very upset, some not. Some with a bit of a joke in their voice. But there's not a day really that goes by that I don't regret that it happened. And we all learn.
MEG MALLON: Well, and that being said, I just felt it was enough. I wasn't on that 2007 team, but I was there when it happened. I saw the hurt on the players' faces. When I got home and I listened to the telecast, knowing Dottie as long as I've known her, it just was Dottie in her passion and her passion for the game and her passion for the Solheim Cup. I know it wasn't out of ill will by any part. That's where I feel like Dottie needed to stop carrying this burden around. And that she needs to be a part of this event, and these players need to get to know the Dottie that I know.
KRAIG KANN: Some red, white and blue passion will definitely be there next year. Let's take some questions from the audience. We'll try to get the microphone to you all.
Q. Congratulations. Given the incident in 2007, was there a part of you that thought this day might not ever come where you would be asked to be an assistant?
DOTTIE PEPPER: Yeah. Certainly. I don't think you could not. I told Tim Rosaforte back in January after the subject came back up again after Meg's announcement of being captain the possibility, the thoughts that were popped around that I had kind of made good with it a long time ago that, hey, I screwed up. The guy on the switch screwed up. We all screwed up. And that if that was the way it was going to be, that was the way it was going to be. I couldn't change that.
Q. Dottie, your obvious emotions of being elected and talking about your career paralleling Meg's, does that indicate how much you miss playing the game?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I miss playing good golf. I can tell you that. Not missing it so much. Certainly looking at this golf course. Not so much.
I feel like I have -- I'm still getting so much out of the game that's given me so much that that was only a very small part of it. And being able to do this, being able to do my job in television and being able to reconnect with the LPGA, as I said, makes me not miss playing. But again, I miss playing good golf. But I'm a 9 and diner now. Thank you very much.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Yeah. Certainly. I don't think you could not. I told Tim Rosaforte back in January after the subject came back up again after Meg's announcement of being captain the possibility, the thoughts that were popped around that I had kind of made good with it a long time ago that, hey, I screwed up. The guy on the switch screwed up. We all screwed up. And that if that was the way it was going to be, that was the way it was going to be. I couldn't change that.
Q. Dottie, your obvious emotions of being elected and talking about your career paralleling Meg's, does that indicate how much you miss playing the game?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I miss playing good golf. I can tell you that. Not missing it so much. Certainly looking at this golf course. Not so much.
I feel like I have -- I'm still getting so much out of the game that's given me so much that that was only a very small part of it. And being able to do this, being able to do my job in television and being able to reconnect with the LPGA, as I said, makes me not miss playing. But again, I miss playing good golf. But I'm a 9 and diner now. Thank you very much.
Q. Let's try and lighten the mood a little here. Dottie, I want to ask you if it's at all possible we might see a renewal of interest in the Europeans marketing a Dottie Pepper punching bag.
DOTTIE PEPPER: We can provide that.
DOTTIE PEPPER: We can provide that.
Q. From the '98 match. Second of all, and maybe both can speak to this, and that is just your favorite memories of Solheim Cup, Dottie, just you playing and Meg, you playing with Dottie.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Oh, gosh. We were never partners. Not once.
MEG MALLON: Dottie always got to pick her own partners. I got thrown with everybody. Put Meg with them. Meg will play with them.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Actually Brandie Burton picked me and I was stuck with her from there on in. Gladly. I think one of my favorite memories was watching you, actually, at Muirfield Village being she went to Ohio State and to have the matches played there. I know it was moving for you. There was a football game on Saturday, and it didn't impact attendance one ounce. That was pretty special. And again, that particular match in '98 watching my partner, Brandie Burton, try to hit a shot she had no business hitting at the 11th, par-5 and falling into the creek.
We were actually texting back and forth last night, and she asked me what one of my best memories was. I said it wasn't actually a best memory but it's sticking because she smelled so bad. When she got out of that creek, it was just horrible.
MEG MALLON: Yeah. This is why I want Dottie back into the fold as well. She arguably was the face of the Solheim Cup in the 90s. And carried that, carried it very well and wore her red, white and blue on her sleeve and unabashedly patriotic, which was fantastic.
Nine Solheim Cups I've been a part of. It's so many great memories for everyone. That's why I love watching it through the young players' eyes and seeing that, and I can't wait for Dottie to be in that locker room and see it from that perspective, to remember what that was like representing your country. So each and every one of them have been special. Obviously it's a lot more fun to win, but when we lost, we had a good time too. At the end of the day we shook hands with the Europeans and had a great time. That's what the Solheim Cup event is all about. That's what the Solheims wanted it to be.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Oh, gosh. We were never partners. Not once.
MEG MALLON: Dottie always got to pick her own partners. I got thrown with everybody. Put Meg with them. Meg will play with them.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Actually Brandie Burton picked me and I was stuck with her from there on in. Gladly. I think one of my favorite memories was watching you, actually, at Muirfield Village being she went to Ohio State and to have the matches played there. I know it was moving for you. There was a football game on Saturday, and it didn't impact attendance one ounce. That was pretty special. And again, that particular match in '98 watching my partner, Brandie Burton, try to hit a shot she had no business hitting at the 11th, par-5 and falling into the creek.
We were actually texting back and forth last night, and she asked me what one of my best memories was. I said it wasn't actually a best memory but it's sticking because she smelled so bad. When she got out of that creek, it was just horrible.
MEG MALLON: Yeah. This is why I want Dottie back into the fold as well. She arguably was the face of the Solheim Cup in the 90s. And carried that, carried it very well and wore her red, white and blue on her sleeve and unabashedly patriotic, which was fantastic.
Nine Solheim Cups I've been a part of. It's so many great memories for everyone. That's why I love watching it through the young players' eyes and seeing that, and I can't wait for Dottie to be in that locker room and see it from that perspective, to remember what that was like representing your country. So each and every one of them have been special. Obviously it's a lot more fun to win, but when we lost, we had a good time too. At the end of the day we shook hands with the Europeans and had a great time. That's what the Solheim Cup event is all about. That's what the Solheims wanted it to be.
KRAIG KANN: Dottie, you worked for NBC Sports and you'll be working this week. How does that come into play? How will your work with NBC potentially, will it hamper you in seeing players? How do you balance that?
DOTTIE PEPPER: When Meg and I spoke on Friday, I said, I would love to do this, but I can't tell you yes now, because I had -- I have bosses I needed to clear this with. We're all in the middle of contract renegotiations and schedules that may change.
It's certainly my intent to be around the LPGA and the bigger events next year, not only from a broadcast standpoint, but also from an extra set of eyes for Meg. So one of the first text phone calls I made was to Tommy Roy, who happened to be in Omaha for the Olympics trials which were going from 11 a.m. to 10:00 every day. And also to Molly Solomon at Golf Channel. I needed to run this by both of them.
They iced me for a day and a half. Mostly because Molly is moving into a new house in Orlando with triplets. They had just finished their school pre-clearance for the fall. Tommy was up and at 'em odd hours through Omaha and Michael Phelps locking in all that other great stuff that was going on. So when they did call me back on Sunday, the reaction -- I think I had to peel them both off the roof, they were so excited. They were just ecstatic supportive. And they said, whatever you need to do, we'll figure it out. So I called Meg right away and said I'm in.
There were a few things I saw online last night. And I see Judy Rankin in the back of the room, and the question was can anyone really balance being a broadcaster and being a captain, assistant captain, whatever it is. I say absolutely, and I went back last night and looked for examples. And the one that -- one particular -- obviously Judy did it twice working for ABC and ESPN. Dave Marr did it in 1981 working for an American Broadcasting Company.
I'm going to continue to broadcast the same way I've always done, do my homework and just staying with the numbers and my gut tells me. I know Judy Rankin made me better because she always said it in a nicer way maybe than I do sometimes. If she told you you didn't chip very well, you didn't chip very well. And she had a reason to say that.
I will continue to do that. Part of my homework. I think -- I hope it will make the team better. And also the experience I've had working now so many Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups I've seen some things from behind the scenes that I think will help our team, will help Meg and maybe ease out a few speed bumps and make them go away completely. Whether it be a wardrobe malfunctions or whatever. I've seen a lot over the last eight years now, and I hope that can help.
KRAIG KANN: Other questions?
DOTTIE PEPPER: When Meg and I spoke on Friday, I said, I would love to do this, but I can't tell you yes now, because I had -- I have bosses I needed to clear this with. We're all in the middle of contract renegotiations and schedules that may change.
It's certainly my intent to be around the LPGA and the bigger events next year, not only from a broadcast standpoint, but also from an extra set of eyes for Meg. So one of the first text phone calls I made was to Tommy Roy, who happened to be in Omaha for the Olympics trials which were going from 11 a.m. to 10:00 every day. And also to Molly Solomon at Golf Channel. I needed to run this by both of them.
They iced me for a day and a half. Mostly because Molly is moving into a new house in Orlando with triplets. They had just finished their school pre-clearance for the fall. Tommy was up and at 'em odd hours through Omaha and Michael Phelps locking in all that other great stuff that was going on. So when they did call me back on Sunday, the reaction -- I think I had to peel them both off the roof, they were so excited. They were just ecstatic supportive. And they said, whatever you need to do, we'll figure it out. So I called Meg right away and said I'm in.
There were a few things I saw online last night. And I see Judy Rankin in the back of the room, and the question was can anyone really balance being a broadcaster and being a captain, assistant captain, whatever it is. I say absolutely, and I went back last night and looked for examples. And the one that -- one particular -- obviously Judy did it twice working for ABC and ESPN. Dave Marr did it in 1981 working for an American Broadcasting Company.
I'm going to continue to broadcast the same way I've always done, do my homework and just staying with the numbers and my gut tells me. I know Judy Rankin made me better because she always said it in a nicer way maybe than I do sometimes. If she told you you didn't chip very well, you didn't chip very well. And she had a reason to say that.
I will continue to do that. Part of my homework. I think -- I hope it will make the team better. And also the experience I've had working now so many Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups I've seen some things from behind the scenes that I think will help our team, will help Meg and maybe ease out a few speed bumps and make them go away completely. Whether it be a wardrobe malfunctions or whatever. I've seen a lot over the last eight years now, and I hope that can help.
KRAIG KANN: Other questions?
Q. I was wondering if anybody had been in contact with the course in Parker and whether they were affected by the wildfires at all?
MEG MALLON: I have talked to them. They have not been affected. They are getting a lot of smoke. It's more Colorado Springs, obviously. Parker is about a half hour south of Denver. So they are getting some smoke effect, but that's about it. Fingers crossed on that one and that that all gets taken care of.
KRAIG KANN: It should be known also we'll be out there in August with for a media opportunity for the European side and from the American side Meg will be there and I believe Dottie will be there as well. As we try to ramp up the support and get ready for 2013. Other questions?
Let me just run down the American side, get maybe your perspective on where the team is. I know we're a long way off. It might add some perspective to your jobs over the next few months. Stacy Lewis is at the top, Angela Stanford, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer tied for 5th, Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome. Morgan Pressel is 7th, Katie Futcher eighth; and tied for tenth right now, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson.
MEG MALLON: Okay. Let's go.
MEG MALLON: I have talked to them. They have not been affected. They are getting a lot of smoke. It's more Colorado Springs, obviously. Parker is about a half hour south of Denver. So they are getting some smoke effect, but that's about it. Fingers crossed on that one and that that all gets taken care of.
KRAIG KANN: It should be known also we'll be out there in August with for a media opportunity for the European side and from the American side Meg will be there and I believe Dottie will be there as well. As we try to ramp up the support and get ready for 2013. Other questions?
Let me just run down the American side, get maybe your perspective on where the team is. I know we're a long way off. It might add some perspective to your jobs over the next few months. Stacy Lewis is at the top, Angela Stanford, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer tied for 5th, Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome. Morgan Pressel is 7th, Katie Futcher eighth; and tied for tenth right now, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson.
MEG MALLON: Okay. Let's go.
KRAIG KANN: What are your thoughts on the American side and your preparation? How much have you been talking to players at this point? Can you give us an update?
MEG MALLON: As you said, the first year is double points and majors and not as much as it is for next year. But that being said, it's a short year next year. The Solheim Cup is in August, not in September, so there's fewer events to qualify. Mike says he's going to get a lot more events on the schedule.
DOTTIE PEPPER: We don't have to worry about the points.
MEG MALLON: I really like how it's shaping up. I love American women's golf right now. I think it's outstanding. The players that are coming up, the names that are coming up, the players that are coming up to me and saying I want to make the team so bad. I love the enthusiasm, and it looks good. It looks really good. I think we're going to have a tough decision in August in our picks because I think we're going to have a lot of players playing well at that point. That's a good problem to have.
KRAIG KANN: What's been your biggest challenge thus far? Is there any sense of complacency because it's a long way off? Or do you feel like you're busy every day thinking of this?
MEG MALLON: It's busy every day. The points come out. There's a lot going on behind the scenes which I'll start introducing Dottie to. We have conference calls every couple of weeks. I've already been out for clothing, for rain gear. Sunice and Antiqua have been wonderful to work with. As funny as it sounds, clothing is a big deal. Players want to be comfortable, and it means a lot. So that's a tedious process, but a fun one as well. So it's just things like that, the preparation things that -- so that by the time the week comes, everything is done. So the players don't have to worry about a thing, but just to play golf and that we've done our job and been prepared for them. That's basically what we do for the next year.
KRAIG KANN: Chance for a last couple of questions? Anybody? All right. I'll allow you each a final statement. Dottie, I'll start with you. What's your first thing you're going to do now that this is official?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I'm going to go check the timeline on Randall Bell's tweets because I'm darn sure he was the first one to put something out.
MEG MALLON: Sorry.
MEG MALLON: As you said, the first year is double points and majors and not as much as it is for next year. But that being said, it's a short year next year. The Solheim Cup is in August, not in September, so there's fewer events to qualify. Mike says he's going to get a lot more events on the schedule.
DOTTIE PEPPER: We don't have to worry about the points.
MEG MALLON: I really like how it's shaping up. I love American women's golf right now. I think it's outstanding. The players that are coming up, the names that are coming up, the players that are coming up to me and saying I want to make the team so bad. I love the enthusiasm, and it looks good. It looks really good. I think we're going to have a tough decision in August in our picks because I think we're going to have a lot of players playing well at that point. That's a good problem to have.
KRAIG KANN: What's been your biggest challenge thus far? Is there any sense of complacency because it's a long way off? Or do you feel like you're busy every day thinking of this?
MEG MALLON: It's busy every day. The points come out. There's a lot going on behind the scenes which I'll start introducing Dottie to. We have conference calls every couple of weeks. I've already been out for clothing, for rain gear. Sunice and Antiqua have been wonderful to work with. As funny as it sounds, clothing is a big deal. Players want to be comfortable, and it means a lot. So that's a tedious process, but a fun one as well. So it's just things like that, the preparation things that -- so that by the time the week comes, everything is done. So the players don't have to worry about a thing, but just to play golf and that we've done our job and been prepared for them. That's basically what we do for the next year.
KRAIG KANN: Chance for a last couple of questions? Anybody? All right. I'll allow you each a final statement. Dottie, I'll start with you. What's your first thing you're going to do now that this is official?
DOTTIE PEPPER: I'm going to go check the timeline on Randall Bell's tweets because I'm darn sure he was the first one to put something out.
MEG MALLON: Sorry.
DOTTIE PEPPER: I really haven't thought about it. This was my timeline ending today. We'll start again. I'm just thrilled.
I will share our first clothing issue from last night. We weren't supposed -- this was not on the radar this week, certainly. Meg said, what are you going to wear? I said, I have a white shirt and some red pants.
Oh, great. For 4th of July, it's all patriotic. All you. Perfect. I sent her a text last night and said, I'm rethinking this red pants thing. And I said, remember in 1992 we lost and wearing red pants on Sunday? And we all made a vow on that team to never wear red pants again when it came to the Solheim Cup. So I'm wearing white.
MEG MALLON: That's carried through, too. We have not worn red since 1992. It's been fairly successful with that. I'm thrilled. My team is starting to come together. And with Dottie, obviously it's a big piece of the puzzle. I'm not going to announce my next assistant until the end of this year, the beginning of next year. I just want to see how everything plays out this year. I'm just thrilled. This is a big piece of the puzzle for me. I've got a great team.
I've got my cart driver Danny Dan who is going to be with me the whole time.
KRAIG KANN: So that's an official selection? You've made that?
MEG MALLON: That was my first selection. No offense, Dottie. The Danny Dan job is important.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Danny is no rookie.
MEG MALLON: No, he's been on the cart for a long time. I have a lot of support. I want to make sure all the past Solheim Cup players are involved in this event; past captains. Hall-of-Famers. I want a big presence from our tour. I want our players to see their past and why they're here today.
KRAIG KANN: It's interesting because Dottie always got to pick her partners. You just took what was left apparently according to what you said earlier. Now the tables are turned and you actually picked Dottie. Thanks very much for being here. Thank you to the USGA. Thank you all for coming. We appreciate it, and we will see you in 2013 or in August outside Denver. Thanks very much. Have a great day, everybody.
I will share our first clothing issue from last night. We weren't supposed -- this was not on the radar this week, certainly. Meg said, what are you going to wear? I said, I have a white shirt and some red pants.
Oh, great. For 4th of July, it's all patriotic. All you. Perfect. I sent her a text last night and said, I'm rethinking this red pants thing. And I said, remember in 1992 we lost and wearing red pants on Sunday? And we all made a vow on that team to never wear red pants again when it came to the Solheim Cup. So I'm wearing white.
MEG MALLON: That's carried through, too. We have not worn red since 1992. It's been fairly successful with that. I'm thrilled. My team is starting to come together. And with Dottie, obviously it's a big piece of the puzzle. I'm not going to announce my next assistant until the end of this year, the beginning of next year. I just want to see how everything plays out this year. I'm just thrilled. This is a big piece of the puzzle for me. I've got a great team.
I've got my cart driver Danny Dan who is going to be with me the whole time.
KRAIG KANN: So that's an official selection? You've made that?
MEG MALLON: That was my first selection. No offense, Dottie. The Danny Dan job is important.
DOTTIE PEPPER: Danny is no rookie.
MEG MALLON: No, he's been on the cart for a long time. I have a lot of support. I want to make sure all the past Solheim Cup players are involved in this event; past captains. Hall-of-Famers. I want a big presence from our tour. I want our players to see their past and why they're here today.
KRAIG KANN: It's interesting because Dottie always got to pick her partners. You just took what was left apparently according to what you said earlier. Now the tables are turned and you actually picked Dottie. Thanks very much for being here. Thank you to the USGA. Thank you all for coming. We appreciate it, and we will see you in 2013 or in August outside Denver. Thanks very much. Have a great day, everybody.
THE MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, Paula Creamer is our 2010 United States Women's Open champion, and we're pleased to have her with us today. She won on a heroic golf course, Oakmont Country Club. I'm sure she's replayed that many times in her mind. We have another big golf course this week, Paula. Very big. Blackwolf Run. What do you think it's going to take to win here?
PAULA CREAMER: I think the best putter will win this week. Off the tee, it's not very difficult. It's not really -- you don't have to think very much with certain shots. I think it's more of the approach shot into greens. These are probably the biggest greens I think I've ever played. And there are so many undulations. Being able to control your distance with your irons and your long clubs is really going to be where it's at.
I'm sure the USGA is going to make pin placements difficult. There's so many tee boxes out here that they can do what they want with the golf course. But I'm really looking forward to it. It's in good shape. The greens are rolling so pure, and I'm excited for tomorrow's start
PAULA CREAMER: I think the best putter will win this week. Off the tee, it's not very difficult. It's not really -- you don't have to think very much with certain shots. I think it's more of the approach shot into greens. These are probably the biggest greens I think I've ever played. And there are so many undulations. Being able to control your distance with your irons and your long clubs is really going to be where it's at.
I'm sure the USGA is going to make pin placements difficult. There's so many tee boxes out here that they can do what they want with the golf course. But I'm really looking forward to it. It's in good shape. The greens are rolling so pure, and I'm excited for tomorrow's start
