Nilsmark to stay on as Europe captain

Catrin Nilsmark, who masterminded Europe's crushing victory over America last September, will continue as the Solheim Cup captain for the match at Crooked Stick, Indiana, next year.

Nilsmark spent much of the week at Barseback in agony after rupturing a disc in her back but was able to throw away the crutches in celebration when Europe clinched victory on the Sunday.

In the immediate aftermath the 36-year-old Swede suggested she would step down in favour of the vice-captain, Alison Nicholas, but Nilsmark has been persuaded to lead Europe's attempt to win on American soil for the first time. Her opposing captain will be the legendary Nancy Lopez.

"Obviously, I'm extremely delighted to be asked to be captain once again," Nilsmark said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to carry out my role without crutches and hopefully in good health this time."

In recognition of the brilliant staging of the match at Barseback, Sweden will again play host in 2007 at a venue to be determined.

The 2008 Open Championship will return to Royal Birkdale. It will be the ninth time the Lancashire links has hosted the Open and crowds of up to 200,000 are expected.

Next week's Accenture World Matchplay at La Costa could feature first-round matches between Ernie Els and Lee Westwood, with Justin Rose facing Phil Mickelson.

The provisional draw, which could change if there are any withdrawals before next Monday, also pits Ian Poulter against Thomas Bjorn and Padraig Harrington against Brian Davis, who only secured his place in the field by winning the ANZ Championship in Australia on Sunday. Tiger Woods, the No 1 seed and defending champion, would play his fellow American Briny Baird.