Annika Sorenstam In Colorado To Prepare For The Solheim Cup

PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) - The women's version of the golfing team event the Ryder Cup is called the Solheim Cup, and it's coming to Colorado Golf Club the second week of August.

The Solheim Cup pits America's best against Europe's elite, and the Americans have never lost on home soil. Annika Sorenstam may have something to say about that. She's one of the greatest women's golfers of all time.

Sorenstam is the co-caption of the European Solheim Cup team this year.

"Really the goal is to just help (the captain) any way I can. You want to make sure the players are prepared, that they're ready, that they're at ease, that they're inspired," Sorenstam said. "So I'll be wearing many hats I think."

Sorenstam has played in plenty Solheim Cups over her career. She says the tournament is unique and fun.

"It's an honor. I remember the first time I played … 1993, Greenbrier … I was standing at the tee and somebody said I looked green in my face," she said. "I was extremely nervous but I was very proud as well. The last thing you want to do is let your teammates down."

Sorenstam seldom let her teammates down. Only one player in Solheim Cup history has earned more points than she has. But back in 2000 Sorenstam was the central figure in a controversial decision. She chipped in to win a crucial hole for the Europeans, but she played out of turn. The Americans called her on it and made her replay the shot. Europe lost the hole and afterwards Sorenstam thought Team USA displayed poor sportsmanship.

"It was just an unfortunate situation and we still talk about it and I still don't really know how it happened," she said. "I was upset … it was a very emotional week … my makeup was dripping, I think I looked like Alice Cooper out there."

In the end Europe actually did win the match.

Sorenstam retired from professional golf in 2008, three years after she made a serious run at winning the grand slam. In 2005 she won the first two majors of the year and threatened at the Women's Open at Cherry Hills until faltering on the weekend.

Where Sorenstam failed, Inbee Park hasn't. The South Korean just won the Women's Open and has now won the first three majors of the year.

"It certainly makes me think about how fun it is and I just want her to enjoy it and cherish this part of her career."

When asked if she every planned on coming back to professional golf, Sorenstam said she loves being a mother and right now has no plans on making a comeback.