As we spotlight a new player each week we will provide an in depth look into her life on and off the course. This week be sure to read the buzz all about Nicole Castrale and get to know her.

Americans look to rack up big Solheim Cup points

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – Solheim Cup points provide a subplot to this weekend’s conclusion to the U.S. Women’s Open.

With double points at stake, big moves are possible with time running out in the qualifying process. After this week, there will be just three LPGA qualifying events remaining before the American and European teams are named for the Aug. 16-18 matches at Colorado Golf Club.

On the American side, Michelle Wie put herself in a hard spot missing her second consecutive cut (OK, technically a WD with one hole to go). She’s 12th on the U.S. points list and must be among the top eight to automatically qualify for the team. Juli Inkster, Jennifer Johnson, Nicole Castrale, Vicky Hurst and Katie Futcher are all outside qualifying standards and also missed the cut. More>>

Golfer-caddie pairing a family affair

A family affair: LPGA veteran Nicole Castrale brings her husband, daughter and mother on tour.

As LPGA Tour member Morgan Pressel sees it, Craig Castrale is the husband of the year every year.

“How many guys would travel around the world with their mother-in-law?” she asks with a laugh.

Not only that, he travels with his 18-month-old daughter and his wife, too.

Castrale is in his 10th year as the caddie for wife Nicole, a 12th-year pro with one LPGA win and two Solheim Cup appearances on her resume. The two go tournament to tournament with their little girl, Eleni, and Nicole’s mom, Patricia. More>>

Castrale's comeback: Motherhood makes it sweeter

KOHLER, Wis. – The pace around Blackwolf Run on Saturday was painfully slow. But Nicole Castrale and her husband/caddie Craig checked their watches for a different reason.

The couple likes to play a game on the course where they imagine what baby daughter Eleni, 8 months, might be doing at certain points throughout the day. Nicole says they’re lucky to be able to travel with Eleni thanks to her mother Patricia, who comes along to help with babysitting during rounds.

“It’s definitely the best thing that’s ever happened to us,” Castrale said of expanding the family. “It’s nice to be able to go home to her and know she’s giggling and she’s always happy, so it’s great. It’s a lot of fun.” More>>

LPGA’s Nicole Castrale Welcomes Baby Girl

PGA golfer Nicole Castrale gave birth to her first child Friday, a girl named Eleni Marie Castrale.

Castrale’s husband and caddie, Craig, said their daughter was born at 8:38 a.m. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 20 inches.

“And a perfect grip and backswing! Just kidding,” the father added in an email announcing the birth. Craig added mother and baby are doing well.

Nicole Castrale has been off the tour since June and played only six events this year as she battled back from 2010 shoulder surgery. The two-time U.S. Solheim Cup member then took maternity leave. She plans to return to the tour next year on exemptions for both her shoulder and the birth of her daughter. More>>

Making Headlines...Nicole Castrale

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