Why Scotland has a place in star’s heart
Anna Nordqvist will feel more at home than most when the Solheim Cup tees-up at Gleneagles next month.
The experienced Swedish star is engaged to Perthshire native Kevin McAlpine, a talented golfer in his day who played at Alyth Golf Club.
He has moved on to become a well-respected caddy and previously carried the bag of American Solheim Cup player Lexi Thompson.
Last week McAlpine and Nordqvist pitched up at Alyth for a round of golf ahead of the Ladies Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club.
“I’ve been dating a Scottish guy for two and a half years now and we’re going to get married in Scotland next summer,” said Nordqvist, who won the LPGA Championship back in 2009.
“I have spent quite a bit of time in Scotland, not just golfing. It’s great to see the country from another perspective, from a local side.
“It’s an awesome country although the weather might be a little iffy at times. But it is what it is.
“We have driven past Gleneagles a few times and I do feel like Scotland is a second home to me. I have got to know a lot of people here.
“Kevin has played the course [PGA Centenary] quite a bit and came out to Gleneagles to hang out on team announcement day. I actually played Alyth recently and it’s an awesome and great golf course.
“I have played it mostly in winter because that is usually when we come back. This was actually the first time I’d played in the summer. It’s a great place and Kevin has his own parking spot. Maybe one day I’ll get my own parking spot somewhere!”
Nordqvist is getting set to compete in her sixth Solheim Cup but the buzz and excitement surrounding the event never fades.
“I’m obviously very excited and I love the Solheim Cup,” Nordqvist said after securing her place in the European team. “There is no better feeling than playing for Europe and teeing-off in this atmosphere.
“It means a lot to me and making the team is always the main goal every time there is a Solheim Cup year.
“What is so special is the atmosphere and the goosebumps that you get walking up to the first tee, with everyone shouting your name.
“Being able to pull off shots when it matters, to win a match or make a clutch putt, those are the moments that are the highlights of a career.”
The eight players who automatically qualified for the European team included Carlota Ciganda, Anne Van Dam, Caroline Hedwall, Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Azahara Munoz, Caroline Masson and Nordqvist.
Swede Anna Nordqvist can’t wait for the Solheim Cup
Captain Catriona Matthew’s four picks to join the squad were Celine Boutier, Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Bronte Law and Suzann Pettersen.
English player Law will make her first Solheim Cup appearance and said: “I couldn’t be happier to be making my Solheim Cup debut here at the beautiful Gleneagles. I am so grateful to Catriona and all the vice captains for picking me and I can’t wait for it to start.
“To be part of this great team with so many Solheim Cup legends is pretty surreal.
“But they have all been very generous in giving me advice ahead of making my debut.”
The Solheim Cup takes place at Gleneagles from September 9-15 and will be played on the PGA Centenary Course.