Paula Creamer reflects on Solheim Cup legacy and growth of women's golf

Paula Creamer, one of the most accomplished Solheim Cup players in history is bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Team USA Vice Captain this week. As a seven-time participant in the prestigious biennial event, Creamer is no stranger to the intensity, excitement, and camaraderie that defines the Solheim Cup. Now, as a leader for the 2024 edition, she's channelling her past successes to inspire the next generation of American golfers.

Reflecting on the importance of the Solheim Cup, Creamer expressed how meaningful it is to represent the United States, particularly in the nation’s capital. "It's a special week for everybody," she shared. "Being here in our nation's capital is also just a constant reminder of what we're doing, why we're here, and the colors that we wear." Watching her team compete with enthusiasm and dedication, Creamer couldn’t help but be impressed. "I didn’t miss a shot today. It was fun to watch them. I truly believe these 12 girls can pull it together, and they are just excited to be here."

New role as Team USA Vice Captain

Despite her new role as Vice Captain, Creamer’s competitive spirit remains undiminished. She knows how vital it is for the players to remain motivated, especially in the face of challenges. "Even when you are down, it brings you back up again, and you realize we’re a team, and we’re not an individual sport this week," she said, emphasizing the unique team dynamic that the Solheim Cup fosters.

Creamer also shared her advice for the players as they prepare for the nerve-wracking first tee shot, which she described as one of the most exhilarating moments in the sport. "Everybody's nervous, that's for sure. No one's going to be not nervous standing there," she said. But Creamer sees this as an opportunity for the players to draw on each other's strength. "That’s why you have a partner, and you can rely on them as well. But take a hard practice swing, hit the fairway, and move on."

Thoughts on Lexi Thompson's (potential) final Solheim Cup

One player who has been an integral part of Team USA is Lexi Thompson. Creamer reflected on Thompson’s remarkable career and her potential final Solheim Cup appearance. "Lexi has definitely changed women’s golf," Creamer said. "I actually got to play with her during her rookie year at Solheim in Colorado. To see how far she’s come from there until now… she has definitely made a huge impact on the game of golf for the juniors and everything."

Creamer’s admiration for Thompson goes beyond her skill on the course. "You can tell she’s so happy right now. I think that making that decision earlier this year has definitely helped her enjoy these moments," Creamer noted, alluding to Thompson's recent announcement about stepping away from the sport. "She’ll definitely be missed, but she’ll always be there, that’s for sure."

The significance of September 11th

As the Solheim Cup coincides with the anniversary of September 11, Creamer acknowledged the emotional significance of representing the U.S. so close to this date. Visiting The Pentagon and paying tribute to the 9/11 Memorial had a profound impact on the team. "Angela [Stanford] and I were talking about how crazy it is that we are here this week representing the United States. We are here as a team. That’s what our country is all about, is wearing the red, white, and blue," Creamer reflected.

Shifting her focus to the state of women’s golf, Creamer has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the sport over the past two decades. As she approaches her 20th year on the LPGA Tour, she marvels at the changes she’s seen. "From my rookie year till now, the girls, the product that we have, I think that we’re getting more exposure. You see a lot more careers, the longevity of girls. They’ve been around a lot longer than what they were in the past."

Still work to be done in women's professional golf

One of the most significant shifts has been the increasing prize money in women's golf, something Creamer is particularly proud of. "These purses just keep getting bigger and bigger, and that’s what we want in women’s sports," she said. However, she acknowledged that there’s still more progress to be made. "We still need a little bit more push, but at the same time, it is night and day from when I first came out on Tour till it is now."

Paula Creamer’s legacy in women’s golf is undeniable, both as a player and now as a mentor and leader. As she helps guide Team USA through this Solheim Cup, her passion for the event and her commitment to its growth remain as strong as ever. "It's a special week," Creamer said, "and I’m just so proud to be a part of it."

Women & Golf will be reporting direct from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - find out more about the 2024 Solheim Cup here.