Ryann O'Toole surprised the golf world in 2011 when Captain Rosie Jones selected the LPGA rookie to represent Team USA in the Solheim Cup. It was a controversial choice. O'Toole had no LPGA Tour victories at the time, but she got hot at the end of the season. She validated Jones's choice. O'Toole won two-matches, lost none and halved two others in Ireland five years ago.
After a poor 2013 season and a string of missed cuts in 2014, O'Toole lost her Tour card and was sent to Qualifying School to earn her way back to the LPGA Tour. The Solheim Cup was not in the cards for her in 2013 or 2015.
Today, the southern California native is back among the LPGA's best. She ranked seventh in the Solheim Cup Team USA point standings as of June 5 on the strength of two top-10 finishes this season. They include an 11-under sixth-place tie at the Yokohama LPGA Classic on May 5 and an 18-under ninth-place tie at the JTBC Founders Cup on March 17. The prospect of a return to the Solheim Cup now seems possible.
"Competing for your country in the Solheim Cup is an incredible experience," O'Toole said. "I can't wait for the next one I get to play in."
In 2011, O'Toole earned her spot on Team USA based on the strength of two top-10 finishes; including a tie for fifth at the 2011 Safeway Classic Presented by Coca-Cola and a ninth place finish at the U.S. Women's Open.
But things went south for Ryann after the 2011 Solheim Cup. O'Toole carded no top 10s in 2012, and she missed 26 cuts out of 40 tournaments she entered over the next two seasons. Getting herself back to her rookie year form became a top priority for O'Toole. Having to start over in Q-School has made her stronger. Rather than worrying about making the cut, she now focuses on top 20s. By mid-season in 2015 her golf game was falling into place. She was making birdies. Her confidence came back. And she posted three top 20 finishes in the final four tournaments of the season.
This year O'Toole's game has progressed even more. She's already won more than $142,000 this season, more than she earned in 2013 and 2014 combined.
Will O’Toole make an appearance at the 2017 Solheim Cup? With a year of play left, it’s too soon to tell. One thing is sure, the international golf play at the 2017 Solheim Cup will be filled with as much excitement as O’Toole’s career. Get your tickets now!
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