The winning team of 2011 with a Seve image from their team locker room

All eyes are on Medinah Country Club, Illinois this week as the 39^th Ryder Cup hits the Windy City. Captain José María Olazábal will be hoping to retain the trophy which the Europeans seized so dramatically in Celtic Manor, 2010.

A win this year will ensure both the Ryder and The Solheim Cups are held by the Europeans until at least 2013, when The Solheim Cup takes place in Colorado Golf Club, August 16^th – 18^th.

Last year, the girls in Ireland were motivated by good luck messages from victorious captain Monty, singles match-play advice from Poulter, and a letter from Olazabal. This year, it was the turn of 2011 captain Alison Nicholas and 2013 captain Liselotte Neumann to wish the boys luck, sending messages to José María and his team in advance of their travels to Chicago.  It will be interesting to see if José María uses similar tactics as Nicholas, in resting all the players for at least one match prior to the Sunday singles, ensuring fresh legs for what will undoubtedly be another nail-biting finish.

Wishing the Ryder Cup team the best of luck from The 2011 Solheim Cup Team, LET players, staff and from Buckinghamshire Golf Club “GO EUROPE!!!”

John O’ Leary, Director of Golf at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club, with The 2011 Solheim Captain Alison Nicholas“