Solheim Cup: Team Europe ready to take the tee at Des Moines

Caroline Masson delivered some impressive play at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. That T3 finish, which followed a T9 at the Ladies Scottish Open, says all there is to say about the current state of Masson’s game. It’s dialed in and ready for competition.

Looking at her Solheim Cup record, Masson plays fourballs quite effectively but Captain Sörenstam will need to pair her with a stronger player. Masson has lost in singles matches against both Lexi Thomson and Gerina Piller and she’s not had much success in foursomes matches.

Masson delivers a steady, consistent game in stroke play competition and that’s not an unimportant contribution to Team Europe. She’s not easily rattled in the pressure of match play competition and Team Europe may find she’s most valuable paired with one of the standout rookies who has a stronger game.

I wouldn’t presume to second-guess Captain Sörenstam, who certainly had something in mind as she tapped Masson for one of her wild card picks. As she deliberates her pairings Sörenstam will devise a strategy get full use of Masson’s experience, which is a strength in itself, the team will need to find a way to compensate for her somewhat weaker game.