Live… from the Costa del Sol
It’s the Saturday Sidebar - Solheim Cup Edition.
I’m here in Andalucía, Spain, to attend and write about the Solheim Cup.
Your first question might be, “What is the Solheim Cup?”
I’ve heard that a lot in the past year, as I’ve brought up the Solheim in Spain to golfers and non-golfers alike.
The fact that people ask, “What’s the Solheim?” is part of the reason I was determined to cover it.
The quick answer is, “It’s the women’s version of the Ryder Cup.”
Usually, this gets an “Oh, okay, got it.”
If there’s still a question, I go deeper, “It’s a golf tournament held every two years at various spots around the world where the best female golfers from the US compete against the best of Europe to bring home the Solheim Cup.” (Find out more about the Solheim Cup itself here (for the rules/play) or here (for the history).
Saturday Sidebar “how I really feel” section. It’s actually a total bummer that the Solheim Cup doesn’t get the cred it deserves. In addition to being somewhat unknown and highly under-talked about, this year’s event has been overshadowed by the fact that the men’s Ryder Cup, which will be held a week after, in Rome. See Solheim Captain Stacy Lewis’ thoughts on this here.
After the past few days, I’ve come to really develop an appreciation and love for The Solheim, and I see it’s more than a match between the US and Europe.
Ask me about it now and I’ll tell you, it’s the event to attend to see positive people from all over the globe, gathering to support women’s and girls (there’s a Junior Solheim too!) golf. It’s an opportunity to meet up old friends (many friends schedule reunions around the event), make new friends, and just spend time with golfers and non-golfers alike. All ages and backgrounds are found here.
The bonus? Anyone at the Solheim will feel the positive vibes that exist around every turn. I guarantee it.
I’ve spent the past three days (two practice sessions and then Friday’s first day of play) walking the course, and scoping the crowd.
Below are some of the highlights.
I saw so many people, from all over the world - traveling together, or old friends traveling to the Solheim to meet and reconnect. From babies to the oldest spectators, everyone was there because they chose to be a part of the event. The event is partially run by a force of volunteers that come from around the globe- some have the Solheim on their regular “giving back” rotation. The majority of people I talked to made it a point to come to as many Solheims as they could - it definitely didn’t have a “one and done” vibe.
But you don’t have to go to the Solheim to get the Solheim vibe. You can do it by trying one of these things:
Find something you’re passionate about. Albeit golf, soccer, pickle ball, or latch hook. It doesn’t matter. Just find your passion and then go do it, or watch others do it. Make it a part of your life, heart and soul, however you can.
Remember that like attracts like. So when you do something you’re passionate about, know that you’re going to meet like minded people who will probably become “your people.”
Got a great group of friends? Then make time to meet with them. Regularly. Extra credit points for traveling with them, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. There’s magic and so many laughs that happen when you travel with people you vibe with.
Talk to people you don’t know. Yes, disregard the golden rule, and talk to strangers at events. People have unbelievable stories, and if it feels right, go ahead and ask them why they’re there. Chances are, they’ll share.
Support athletes, especially women and girls! Whether it’s golf, tennis, swimming, or whatever… realize the amount of work that goes in to train for an event, and having spectators (enthusiastic ones!) means the world to athletes of any age.
Travel - near and far. The world has infinite possibilities waiting for us to discover… go ahead and see what happens when you go outside your comfort zone.
Adopt some of the values of the Solheim Cup’s mascot, “Sol” (which means “sun”): energy, light, optimism, life, hope, warmth and joy. I’m telling you that I felt all of those over the past few days, and I believe it comes from a state of mind. So, try to to incorporate those feelings into your daily routine and see how your outlook and life change for the better.
On that note, I’m going to end today’s Saturday Sidebar as I have a tee time to catch at Day 2 of the event!
Stay tuned for more on the Solheim!
Have a fabulous day!
Hasta luego,
Abbey