CHESHIRE, England -- European Solheim Cup Captain Alison Nicholas has named Liselotte Neumann of Sweden and England's Joanne Morley as her assistant captains for the 2009 matches. The 2009 Solheim Cup is set for Aug. 21-23 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

With Neumann being based in the United States and Morley in Europe, the assistant captains will offer Nicholas guidance from both sides of the Atlantic in the lead-up to the biennial contest. Nicholas hopes that having two assistant captains, instead of one as previously, will give her European team its best opportunity to register its first victory on American soil.

"I'm thrilled that Lotta and Joanne accepted my invitation to be assistant captains. Their combined Solheim Cup experience will be invaluable and will help to complement my strengths," said Nicholas, who made six Solheim Cup appearances and was assistant captain to Catrin Nilsmark in 2003 and 2005.

"Lotta is a well respected player, having competed in six Solheim Cups and been on two winning teams. Joanne is a very good friend and she worked with me behind the scenes when I was vice captain in 2005," she added. "Both assistant captains are really excited and committed. We are looking forward to working together to prepare for the 2009 matches."

Neumann is a six-time member of the European Solheim Cup team, and played in every event from 1990-2000. A Life Member of the Ladies European Tour, her 27 worldwide victories include the 1988 U.S. Women's Open and the 1994 Weetabix Women's British Open, and she most recently won the 2004 Asahi Ryokuken International.

"It's so great to be part of the Solheim Cup again," said Neumann, who scored 8½ points in the event as a player, with a 6-10-5 record. "I tried to play my way onto the team over the last few years but wasn't able to make it so to be part of the team in this way, I'm absolutely thrilled."

Morley represented Europe in the 1996 Solheim Cup, when she competed alongside Nicholas and Neumann. She has competed on both sides of the Atlantic and registered two tournament victories: at the 1996 and 2000 German Opens.

"I am honored that Alison asked me and I am obviously thrilled," said Morley. "Hopefully we can pull all the right strings and bring the Cup back to Europe. We are all going to be 100 percent positive, especially with Alison at the helm. She is one of the most positive people I know."

U.S Solheim Cup Captain Beth Daniel recently named Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins as her assistant captains for 2009.

Following a 16 to 12 victory at the 2007 Solheim Cup in Halmstad, Sweden, the U.S. team leads the competition, 7-3.

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