Portland Classic Preview and TV Schedule
Aug 17, 2013; Parker, CO, USA; Michelle Wie (left) and Brittany Lang (right) of team U.S. react with each other on the sixteenth green during the second round of the Solheim cup at the Colorado Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Six Americans in the Portland Classic field are playing for more than a win or high finish, although either would boost their quest to secure a spot of the United States Solheim Cup team.
With two events remaining until the US Solheim Cup team is finalized, Angela Stanford and Gerina Piller both look like they’re in position to get the 7th and 8th spots on the US Team based on their current Solheim Cup rankings. With a win or a high finish, however, Lizette Salas, who’s ranked 30th by Rolex and is within striking distance of Piller (who’s ranked 35th by Rolex), could swap places with Piller in the rankings.
Both Salas and Piller are in the field this week and both are coming in hot. Piller’s had three top-10s in her last 7 starts and Salas came achingly close to a win at the Miejer LPGA Classic. I think we’ll probably see both on the final Team USA roster, but that’s not certain right now because Brittany Lang, who’s tied with Paula Creamer for 10th in Solheim Cup points in well above Salas in the Rolex Rankings.
Lang’s Rolex rank of 12th could end up being her trump card before this is over and the team is finalized, particularly if she’s able to notch a win or a pair of high finishes this week and next.
Creamer, who’s ranked 33rd by Rolex, and Korda, who’s ranked 34th, are going to be reaching deep and delivering the very best games in their bags this week and next at the Canadian Open.
In short, I’m keeping a sharp eye on these six Americans who are battling for position inside the Solheim Cup bubble, although I think Salas and Lang are the ones to watch most closely.
Captain Inkster’s not in the field this week. She’s busy covering the US Women’s Amateur for Fox August 12-16 and will have to depend on co-captain Pat Hurst, who’s in the Cambia Portland Classic field, to keep her finger on the pulse of potential team members’ play.
Next: Six Inside the Team Europe Solheim Cup Bubble