The U.S. women’s golf squad finally found a winning formula, and they’re sticking to it.
The LPGA announced Friday that Juli Inkster will return as captain of the U.S. Solheim Cup team when the Americans take on Europeans at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in 2017.
Earlier this year, Inkster led the Americans to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in Germany, edging the Europeans 14.5 to 13.5 after trailing 10 to 6.
“So many people have asked, ‘Would you do it again?'” Inkster said Friday in a news conference. “I have had a lot of exciting and memorable highlights during my time on tour but leading that team of 12 women was one of the biggest thrills of my entire golf career. So the answer was easy. And I wanted to have this announced as soon as I could because keeping a secret isn’t one of my strengths. I’m thrilled by the challenge of defending the Cup on home soil next summer and can’t wait to put on a show in Des Moines.”
The victory was the first for the U.S. since 2009, when Inkster competed as a player. The seven-time major winner is one of the most decorated players in Solheim Cup history. She holds the record for most singles points won (7) and is the oldest player to have ever competed in the event (51 years, 91 days in 2011).