Wendy Ward will take on a new role at Solheim Cup

Wendy Ward’s first Solheim Cup experience was in 2002, teamed with Hall of Famer Beth Daniel in alternate-shot format.

No pressure.

“That first tee box, if you’ve seen a Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup, you’ve seen the chants, and when that first peg goes in the ground it’s complete silence,” Ward recalled. “It’s crazy but so exciting.”

Ward piped her drive down the middle of the first fairway. Ward and Daniel – a wonderful teammate, according to Ward – were the lone U.S. winners in the morning session. Ward halved her match with Annika Sorenstam in Sunday singles and the Americans rolled to a 15½-12½ victory at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota.

Ward, who also played on 2003 and 2005 Solheim teams, will assume a different role when the Americans and Europeans tee it up Sept. 18-20 in Germany. Captain Juli Inkster picked Ward and Pat Hurst as assistant captains back in January.

“It’s kind of turning over a new chapter,” said Ward, who spends part of the golf season working and teaching at Qualchan. “It’s been 10 years since I was on the team. It started bringing up those fun memories and excitement of team golf.”

The opportunity to work with Inkster, donning U.S. gear and competing against some of the world’s finest players is right in Ward’s wheelhouse.

“For me (as a player), it was hoisting that American flag and representing your country with 11 other top Americans,” Ward said. “I have a pretty strong military background and pride in being an American. I bleed red, white and blue all day long.”

Ward has helped with logistics – housing, meals, uniforms, how many on the players’ guests lists – to lessen Inkster’s workload.

Inkster announced Paula Creamer and Brittany Lang as captain’s picks earlier this week.

Ward watched the players at tournaments the last two weeks as well as earlier this season. She’ll be on hand for the Evian Championship in France, one of the LPGA’s five majors, the week before the Solheim Cup. The French course is a tough walk and coaches have told the players to take the ensuing Monday off if they think it’ll help with preparations for Solheim Cup week.

Ward has been Solheim teammates with many on the current squad. Inkster has played with all 12.

“I think she brings a calmness and a confident attitude to the team,” Inkster said of Ward in January. “The girls love her. That’s the key. She’s got a lot of respect.”

Europe has won the last two Cups, including an 18-10 blowout two years ago in Colorado, the U.S. team’s first loss on its home turf. Eleven of the 12 current players were on that squad.

Ward, a four-time LPGA winner, didn’t play in any tournaments this season. In fact, she’s played fewer than 20 rounds, instead spending her time on assistant captain duties, teaching and helping husband Nate on their cattle ranch in Edwall, roughly 40 miles from Spokane.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever use that term (retired),” said Ward, who played in five LPGA tournaments last season. “Nate gives me a hard time but it’s something that will always be in my blood. I fought some injuries and my body wasn’t responding, I wasn’t performing and I wasn’t out there as much.

“I do have the opportunity to play the Legends Tour when I turn 45 but right now I’m enjoying not grinding out every shot. It’s allowed me to be home more.”

The 42-year-old Ward has enjoyed the teaching aspect. She spent a few winter months in Arizona last year providing instruction and hopes to return this winter.

She knows she’s going to enjoy working with Inkster, Hurst and the players next month. Ward was on the winning side in two of three Solheim appearances.

“One was a disaster, but it gave me a taste of playing on European soil. Unfortunately, none of us really brought our game,” she said. “The girls are coming off two (Solheim) losses and they don’t want to go to three, which would be a record. The girls are hungry.”

Some advice Daniel gave Ward in practice rounds 13 years ago might come in handy for the assistant captain in Germany.

“Beth told me, ‘We’re here to have fun and this is going to be one of the best rides of your life.’ ”