Neumann to be Solheim Cup captain

Swede Liselotte Neumann is to succeed England's Alison Nicholas as Europe's Solheim Cup captain.

The 45-year-old takes on the position after compatriot Annika Sorenstam, one of the vice-captains for last September's victory in Ireland, turned down the opportunity.

"I think everybody will be really fired up to hold on to the trophy and try to win it on US soil for the first time," said former US Open winner Neumann.

"I did think it over. I actually found out in November I was put on the list and considered to be a captain and I accepted to start with and kind of changed my mind about five days later.

"It's a big job. It's very time-consuming and I was thinking about maybe doing a little bit of coaching or teaching.

"I took my name off the list and a few months later I ended up getting a lot of very nice emails and text messages from a lot of the players and from friends and family.

"It really sort of got me thinking again, I might never get the opportunity again, and I put my name back on the list.

"I'm very honoured and it feels great to have that support."

Next year's match is in Denver on August 16-18.

Sorenstam revealed last month that she had told the European Ladies Tour she did not feel ready to take on the commitment.