The LPGA Cambia Portland Classic is the closing LPGA or LET event earlier than the Solheim Cup starts on September 12. That makes this a totally important event for several motives.
Obviously, that is the final danger for the players on each groups to get some aggressive golf beneath their belts before the groups hit the route in Scotland. And many gamers from both teams are taking benefit of that -- except I've heard incorrect, seven gamers from every group are in Portland, with US Captain Juli Inkster teeing it up as well.
Perhaps greater importantly, that is the last threat for teammates from both sides to create a few bonding experiences on and around a golf route before they actually get to the Cup. This might be a chunk greater important for Juli's team since it became simplest finalized on Monday, however the European crew hasn't had plenty time since their captain Catriona Matthew made her final 4 selections either.
At this factor inside the method, every extra second collectively will in all likelihood help every body concerned. But I suppose the US has the most to advantage this week as each captains selections (Morgan Pressel and Stacy Lewis) are playing, as is Juli and numerous other Solheim vets who didn't make the team, like Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr. With so many newcomers on the US crew, this ultimate minute "cram session" can only help.
That would not suggest the Euros won't gain as well. Suzanne Pettersen is within the field, as are some of the alternative veterans like Carlotta Ciganda, Anna Nordqvist and Azahara Munoz. That will truly gain newbies Anne Van Dam and Celine Boutier who are also in Portland.
So I'll be involved to hear what is going on across the event. Will there be "check pairings" for the duration of the exercise rounds or maybe crew dinners? We can already see that some of the teammates have pairings for the primary couple of rounds.
But as some distance because the event itself is going, I assume preoccupation with the Solheim Cup will preserve many players from focusing fully in this tournament. My money's on Jin Young Ko to maybe pick out up her 5th win of the 12 months.
GC's coverage begins Thursday at 6:30pm ET. (Yes, that's live coverage because -- for my worldwide viewers who may not know -- Portland is on the West Coast of the US, a three-hour time difference. GC's coverage will begin at 3:30pm their time.) Maybe we'll get a preview of each team's form before the actual Cup begins!
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