American women demonstrate class in winning Solheim Cup

EDINA, Minn. -- Winning the Solheim Cup was great for the Americans. Winning with class might have meant even more.

Over three exciting days at Interlachen Country Club, the Americans and Europeans proved it was possible to put on a great international competition without the rancor that had tainted some of the more recent events.

"I never saw any problems," American Laura Diaz said after the United States topped Europe 15 1/2-12 1/4 on Sunday to win back the cup. "Everyone got along."

Based on the 12-year history of the Solheim Cup, that wasn't a given.

In 2000, the Americans insisted that Annika Sorenstam redo a made chip shot after determining she went out of turn. It left Sorenstam in tears and made Europe's victory taste less than sweet.

This time, rules officials armed with measuring tapes walked with each group, and anytime there was a question about who was away, the rules official stepped in and made a call.

No problem there.

Dottie Pepper, a lightning rod in Solheim Cups past, was on the sideline because of a shoulder injury. She colored her spiked hair red, white and blue, but other than that, she didn't cause a stir.

Most of all, the fans -- a knowledgeable and appreciative bunch of 70,000 over three days -- were on good behavior, cheering wildly for the United States, but not in a manner to offend the Europeans.

Beth Daniel said it got so loud at one point that she heard ringing in her ears.

What many of the Europeans heard was just as impressive.

"I had so many people come up to me and wish me good luck," Britain's Laura Davies said. "And I know it was genuine."

The only real awkwardness was caused by a woman who wasn't even there.

In the leadup to the tournament, Europe's 2003 captain, Catrin Nilsmark, insulted several Americans, calling them brats, cocky, washed up and a number of other things.

U.S. captain Patty Sheehan tried to make light of that at the players' dinner on Wednesday night, and her attempt at humor went over flat. The Americans admitted the insults motivated them, but they kept that to themselves, and never let it spill onto the course.

The most embarrassing moment had to be when Norway's Suzann Pettersen uttered a profanity during a live TV interview on NBC. But she'll be remembered just as much for her stirring comeback from five shots down with five holes to play to fight American Michele Redman to a draw.

When it was over, the Europeans got a nice standing ovation at the closing ceremonies.

The Americans walked away with the Solheim Cup.

"They're only borrowing it," European captain Dale Reid insisted. The rematch, she reminded everyone, is only a year away.