Calamos Investments:
A Proud Gold Tee Sponsor of the 2009 Solheim Cup

Calamos Investments is the proud gold tee sponsor for one of the most prestigious events in professional golf—the 2009 Solheim Cup. This exciting global event will take place August 17-23, 2009 at the Rich Harvest Farms golf course in Sugar Grove, Illinois. The event is expected to attract well over 150,000 attendees over a seven-day span (including the 28 golf matches that are spread over a three-day period).

In a format similar to the men's Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup is a biennial trans-Atlantic team match-play competition that pits the top 12 U.S. players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) against the top 12 European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET). The event was named for Karsten Solheim, founder of golf equipment manufacturer PING and a major proponent of ladies golf.

''We are very pleased to be the gold tee sponsor of the Solheim Cup. At Calamos Investments, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence guide all that we do; these are the same values that have defined the tradition of the Solheim Cup'' said John P. Calamos, Sr.

The U.S. team holds a 7-3 advantage in the series after its September, 2007 victory in Halmstad, Sweden. The 2007 Solheim Cup marked the team's second win on foreign soil since the Cup began in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.

Competition began heating up July 14, 2008 with a Preview Day at Rich Harvest Farms. It consisted of a foursome four-hole golf exhibition which gave a glimpse into what can be expected in next year's match play. Representing the U.S. team was Captain Beth Daniel, Assistant Captains Kelly Robbins and Meg Mallon, and players Angela Stanford and Pat Hurst. Captain Alison Nicholas, Assistant Captian Liselotte Neumann and player Louise Fiberg represented the European team.

Camaraderie and friendly competition was abundant on the first tee, especially when it came time to decide who would tee off first. "We're the home team, shouldn't we go first?" . . . We do have the Cup!" were some remarks from the U.S. team. Banter aside, the European team teed off first. Both teams gave a strong head-to-head showing and ended the four-hole exhibition in a tie, quite a rarity. For purposes of a spectator prize at stake, there was a "chip off" to determine a winner (the closest chip of the four won for their country's team). Pat Hurst pulled off an impressive chip on the fourth hole (18th green) to take away the win for the U.S. team. Will spectators see a repeat in 2009?

After the exhibition, Captains Beth Daniel (U.S) and Alison Nicholas (Europe) gave insights into their assistant captain choices during a press conference luncheon. According to both, it's a balance of selecting the best overall players as well as ones that will complement the team and course.

Earlier this year, U.S. Captain Beth Daniel selected Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins as assistant captains, making it their seventh time on the Solheim team together. Mallon has a 13-9-7 record and Robbins a 10-10-4 record. The trio will look to uphold their unspoiled record on home soil with a combined experience of 22 Solheim Cup appearances.

European Captain Alison Nicholas selected Liselotte Neumann and Joanne Morley as LET assistant captains. Neumann contributes over 27 worldwide victories. Morley has two tournament victories at the 1996 and 2000 German Opens. They will look to avenge the Ladies European Tour's tight 16 to12 2007 loss.

The top 10 American born players, based on the LPGA tour's qualification system, will automatically qualify for the remaining U.S spots. The remaining 9 spots on the European team will be filled by the top five players from the LET points' list and the next highest four players on the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings. Both will be finalized literally weeks before match play in 2009, ensuring the best players represent each country.

Stay tuned for more coverage in the coming months!

Latest Standings:

U.S. Solheim Cup Points

LET Solheim Cup Points

Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings