Henderson Rookie Caroline Hedwall has been named in the European Team for the 2011 Solheim Cup, taking place at Killeen Castle in Ireland from September 23 – 25.
In an exceptional first year so far as a professional golfer, Henderson Rookie Hedwall has won the New South Wales Open on the Australian Ladies Professional Golf tour on her pro debut in January, as well as taking two LET tournament titles; the Ladies Slovak Open in May, and the Finnair Masters in June. She also upstaged major champions and Ryder Cup stars by winning the inaugural PowerPlay Golf event at Celtic Manor in Wales. Hedwall is currently listed third on the Henderson Money List.
On her inclusion in the team, Hedwall said: “It’s an honour to play and I’m just very excited. I guess I’m going to be a little bit nervous when I get there but right now I’m just excited because it’s going to be so much fun. I hope we will win! I played at Killeen Castle when we had the LET event in Ireland and it’s a really good course.”
Richard Wilson, Marketing Director at Henderson Global Investors said “Caroline Hedwall’s inclusion in The Solheim Cup team is a fantastic achievement in her rookie year. We are absolutely delighted with her success and wish her and her team mates the very best of luck in Ireland at the end of September.”
Hedwall is part of the 12-woman team that will attempt to wrest The Cup back from the United States of America three weeks from now.
The United States has won the last three matches and eight of the 11 editions played against Europe since the inaugural event in 1990 with an overall score line of 8-3. However, Europe will be targeting a fourth home victory after their most recent success at Barsebäck Golf and Country Club in Sweden in 2003.
Hedwall is sponsored by Henderson Global Investors who support the top three LET rookies to qualify for the tour each year. Henderson, who also sponsor the Official LET Money List, are now in their fifth year of supporting newcomers to the tour, helping them to cope financially with the pressures of their first year as professional golfers.
Testament to the benefit of having a supportive sponsor is the fact that two of the 2009 Henderson Rookies; Anna Nordqvist and Christel Boeljon, are also included in the The Solheim Cup team.
