Sorenstam declines 2013 European Solheim captain's role

• By Mercer Baggs
• Feb 16, 2012 8:35 AM ET

Annika Sorenstam will not captain the 2013 European Solheim Cup team, she told “Morning Drive” Thursday.

“I’ve given it some thought. I went back to the tour last week and thanked them for the opportunity, but I have passed. It’s in somebody else’s court,” she said.

“I’m just not ready for this big commitment, it's not something I can take on at this time.”

Video: Sorenstam's announcement on 'Morning Drive'

Read official statement on Annika's blog

Sorenstam said her bid to co-design the 2016 Olympic golf course in Rio, and the delaying of the announcement as to who would be awarded the honor, factored into her decision making.

“I can’t commit to anything until I know what will happen in Rio. With the decision being (pushed back) I didn’t want them (the Solheim committee) to wait on me,” she said.

Sorenstam added that she offered up a few names to the nominating committee, but that no one had been offered the captaincy yet. She said it was unlikely that Alison Nicholas, who captained the European team each of the last two competitions, including the victorious campaign in 2011, would lead for a third time.

Sorenstam said she would help the 2013 team as an advisor, but not as an assistant captain like she was last year. She also said she would still consider the captain’s role in the future.

“If I get asked again, I’d certainly give it some thought," she said. "But I haven't thought if it's going to be '15 or ’17. Right now they just want to find someone for '13."