Nicholas retained as European Solheim Cup captain for 2011 in Ireland

LONDON -- England's Alison Nicholas has been given a second chance to win back the Solheim Cup.

The former U.S. Women's Open champion, whose European side was beaten 16-12 in Illinois in August, will again be in charge at Killeen Castle in Ireland in 2011.

She was selected via a unanimous decision by the European Solheim Cup Committee, comprising the Ladies European Tour representatives, Players' Council and past captains.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Nicholas. "It's a great honor and privilege to be a captain at home.

"I loved the experience at Rich Harvest Farms and I thought we were going to do it -- I really did," she added. "That's why I'm confident for Ireland, because I'm confident in my players."

"Alison was a natural choice for the selection committee as she was such an inspirational figure at Rich Harvest Farms," said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour. "Although Europe lost the match, Alison had her team extremely well prepared and we are convinced that she will give Europe the best chance of winning back the trophy in Ireland."

"The two teams are very close, as we proved. We've got two years to go and there are some good young players on the European Tour," added Nicohlas. "I think they will come into their own over the next two years and we'll have some youngsters to fight those young American players. They just need to believe in themselves a bit more."

The European team will comprise the top four players from the Ladies European Tour's Solheim Cup standings, the next four highest ranked eligible players from the Rolex Rankings and four captain's selections.

Players will have the opportunity to play the Solheim Cup course next year as the AIB Ladies Irish Open is scheduled to be played at Killeen Castle on Aug. 6-8.

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