SueErtl.com

Val Brennan, LPGA Hall of Famer Amy Alcott, and Sue Ertl after the Solheim Cup opening ceremonies

Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer after the 2009 Solheim Cup opening ceremonies

We had the chance to attend the opening ceremonies and the first day and a half of the 2009 Solheim Cup matches between the US LPGA players vs. the European Professionals at Rich Harvest Farms CC in Sugar Grove, IL. We sure saw tremendous golf on such a pristine venue – Jerry Rich’s private estate hosting 24 pros and team captains + 100,000 spectators! I hope you all enjoyed the singles matches on TV as we did also as the US won the Cup 16-12 matches.

It is a true reunion of old friends, and I did see Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon, Kelly Robbins, Karrie Webb, Pat Bradley, Joanne Carner, Kathy Whitworth, Val Skinner, and even chatted with Juli Inkster as she crossed the fairway in front of us in the middle of competing in her alternate shot event with Paula Creamer!

It  is a celebration of excellence in women’s golf in 2009 and it is true, Michelle Wie was a star! In singles on day 3, she was 4-under par after 3 holes, and hung on to win over a relentless Helen Alfredsson. Cristie Kerr holed out for eagle on #12 the first day, and Juli Inkster finished her last day of Solheim Cup competition with 3 straight birdies to get back in the match! And who could forget Paula Creamer’s and Brittany Lincicome’s LONG BOMB putts going in – these ladies sure ‘roll the rock’!

Thanks to the Rich family for hosting this prestigious event on your exclusive property, and also to the entire Solheim family for your support of golf and especially this week, women’s golf. It was a great show; grand appreciation to both teams for your total effort and great inspirational entertainment!

Val, Jacqueline, Jacob, Terri DeBoer and Sue

Had the great opportunity to play at Railside CC with the DeBoer family in Byron Center today. Jacob is a sophomore at Calvin College, Jacqueline will be a senior at South Christian HS, and Terri is the WOOD-TV Storm Team 8 meteorologist you see on NBC early mornings here in Grand Rapids. We all had some highlights, and I look forward to seeing Jacqueline this next week during the Michigan Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain where we are both contestants. Thanks Terri for coming out to spectate on the back 9. Railside was in beautiful shape, and we enjoyed carrying our clubs and walking the hills!

Mark Wilson is the PGA Master Professional at Watermark CC in Grand Rapids where my brother Jay and his family are members. Mark is the co-chair of the PGA of America’s Rules Committee, and had just returned from the Open Championship at Turnberry. He was a walking rules official each day, and was the official on Sunday’s final round with the Stewart Cink / Retief Goosen twosome!!!!

Sue, Mark Wilson, Ben Ertl

Ben Ertl

The ERTLS: Jay, Sue, Barb, and their son Ben

Getting a great opportunity to visit family in Grand Rapids and play golf with my brother Jay, his wife Barb, and my nephew Ben. Ben won his division in a 2-hole playoff I got to watch at Braeside GC; we played the next day at their beautiful club Watermark CC; this photo was taken at their sister club StoneWater CC; and I look forward to playing at Railside CC on Tuesday. Even got to watch nephew Sean at a weekend baseball tournament where they won all 4 games! Having fun too with Mom and my sister Karen, her husband Greg, and their daughter Ally. And a nice surprise as my sister Miffer and her husband Tom came over to Jay and Barb’s for a fun family night on the lake!

Green honored at Travelers
June 28, 2009

Shin leads Wegmans LPGA; Tiger’s niece misses cut
June 27, 2009

Paul Azinger gets DQ’d for non-conforming golf ball
June 26, 2009

Seven fitness essentials
-from Fitnessforgolf.com

Ochoa fires longtime caddie Brooker
June 23, 2009

Private clubs must face a new reality
June 22, 2009

Hate to be Rude: An improbable treat
June 23, 2009

Glover won’t take time off after U.S. Open win
June 23, 2009

Rookie Nordqvist easily wins LPGA Championship
June 14, 2009

Green begins recovery process after leg amputation
June 15, 2009
- This is such a sad story following Ken Green’s Alabama motor home accident last week. His girlfriend, brother, and German shepard were all killed, as well as Ken suffering near fatal injuries. We are all wishing him well in these days ahead.

Captain’s Corner Solheim Cup Beth Daniel
June 14, 2009