Solheim girls dressed to thrill

Davies and Marti - colourful.

This week's Solheim Cup is the premier team event in women's golf, pitting the professionals of Europe against their American counterparts. No less dramatic than its male equivalent, the 'Ryder Cup with lipstick', as it has been called, takes place near Malmo in Sweden, starting Friday.

Women's golf is one of the fastest-growing arms of the leisure industry and is enjoying an unprecedented spell of celebrity endorsement.

Supermodel Jodie Kidd, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and singer Celine Dion are all high-profile golfers, while Madonna simply likes to wear the clothes. Yes, the clothes, which have moved away from frumpy shorts and blinding tartans to performance-wear, look as cool on the High Street as they do on the fairways.

So when the Europeans meet the Americans, not only will there be some quality sporting performances on show, but some of the best-looking athletes in the world. Believe it or not, golf is no more than a chip and a putt away from the catwalk.

The Americans hold the upper hand after winning the cup from the Europeans in Minnesota last year. However, because of the September 11 atrocities, which meant postponing the 2001 Ryder Cup until 2002 and then the decision to keep it in 'even' years, The Solheim Cup was re-arranged so as not to clash with the men's event.

Thus, the usually biennial contest is taking place again only 12 months on - with the Europeans convinced the United States have the trophy only on short-term loan.

There is never a dull moment in The Solheim Cup and there is nothing like a bit of transatlantic rivalry to loosen tongues. In 2000, at Loch Lomond, for example, Annika Sorenstam, Sweden's World No 1, was the victim of some dubious sportsmanship when Americans Kelly Robbins and Pat Hurst accused her of playing out of turn after chipping in during a vital match.

Koch and Sorenstam - Swedish combination.

Having been made to replay the shot in tears, she missed. Sorenstam, who is not usually noted for fiery outbursts, then accused the Americans of committing the worst act of gamesmanship she had ever seen. She wouldn't forget it...ever, she said.

Last time, Catrin Nilsmark, who is European captain for 2003, created a huge furore when she dissected the American team for the benefit of a Scandinavian website. One player, she said, was "a brat", another "lacking in talent", a third "hopeless". It was marvellous stuff - like boxing gone mad - and was further proof that usually sanguine Swedes can get riled.

Although she had to apologise for her diplomatic faux pas, Nilsmark is a popular player who sank the winning putt for Europe in 1992 and has done more than her bit to take women's golf away from its unflattering stereotype.

However, as the captain gets a major say in the design of The Solheim Cup clothing there were some concerns from potential team-members that things could get out of hand, fashionwise. Nilsmark, you see, was the women who brought hot-pants to the Ladies European Tour.

Whoever kits out the European Solheim Cup team has to clothe 12 women, plus a golfing entourage, all of whom seem to have been picked to cause maximum hassle by being all shapes and sizes. They can range from larger-than-life Laura Davies to 4ft 11in non-playing vice-captain Alison Nicholas. And with the elegant Patricia Meinier Lebouc in the side - one size definitely does not fit all.

Pringle Golf are responsible for Europe's on-course wear and head designer Stuart Stockdale did little to dispel the rumours that The Solheim designs were going to catch the eye. "Catrin has had a major input and we have worked very closely with her to create the tasteful designs," he said, refusing to confirm or deny that hot-pants were part of the range. He added, "She has a very clear idea of what she wants, but it does have to be functional for golf."

Just like the sport they cater for, Pringle has jettisoned its staid image and discovered a new whole market. "Golf fashion is improving, gradually, and we are bringing a new sporty sexiness to the game without alienating our traditional customers. Technology has now brought us fabrics that are 'breathable',, that keep you cool, keep you warm and are ergonomically engineered. We take the golf part very seriously, but we want to be stylish too," said Stockdale.

Although there are some customised fittings and measurements are taken from the leading contenders well before the event, final touches are only completed two weeks before the event. Last year, pregnant Carin Koch, the glamorous Swede, was able to swap trousers with Mhairi McKay, the Scot who had been on a fitness regime.

Koch, incidentally, has played in two Solheim Cups and has an enviable record - she has not lost a match. Unbeaten in Loch Lomond, where she sank the winning putt for Europe, she maintained her 100 per cent record in Minnesota when paired with Sorenstam in the foursomes and fourballs.

If Sorenstam is the Tiger Woods of the women's game, Laura Davies is still probably the most exciting player to watch. If you have never seen her hit a driver at full pelt, you have missed out on one of the most amazing sights in golf: the powerful 'whoosh' of the ball is now a Davies signature, drawing gasps from spectators every time.

Knitting together a team of athletes used to playing as individuals - from all parts of Europe - is one of the great challenges for the captain, and it is not an easy job.

The rows started before the team was picked last year, with captain Dale Reid ignoring two Scots with good claims in favour of Davies, who certainly delivered, and Helen Alfredsson, who probably did not. She also had, in her words: "Two players on the team who spoke Spanish - just not to each other." They were Raquel Carriedo and Paula Marti, while Sophie Gustafson was struggling with her game and Iben Tinning struggled with nerves.

Then Suzann Pettersen, a feisty Norwegian, dropped an F-bomb on American television having come back from five down with five to play to halve her singles with Michelle Redman. "I didn't want to come off at the 13th, I was getting my ass kicked out there. So I thought **** it," she said, well before the 9pm watershed.

In short, The Solheim Cup is a top-quality sporting event that does not really get the attention it deserves. However, the combination of superb golf, engaging personalities and a touch of Pringle Sporting glamour is a winning one. Eat your heart out Ryder Cup aficionados. The Solheim is here again and the girls are fighting back.