Mallon visits Highland Meadows Golf Club, scouts United States' top golfers

Meg Mallon laughs about being disqualified from the Jamie Farr in 1996 as she speaks with the media during the second round of the Marathon Classic today at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.

Meg Mallon spent this afternoon at Highland Meadows Golf Club scouting the United States' top golfers.

As this year’s Solheim Cup captain, Mallon has to complete the 12-golfer roster that will represent the United States in the match-play tournament, which pits golfers from the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour. The Solheim Cup is staged every two years, and a United States course hosts the event once every four years.

“My countdown is two tournaments,” Mallon said at today’s Marathon Classic. “It’s an interesting couple of weeks coming up, which is exciting to watch, especially how well the American players were playing. That’s what’s a great thing, and encouraging, that so many of them are playing so well.

“The hard part for me is only selecting two. That’s why I’m here this week, and I’ll be at the British Open.”

Mallon watched nine holes this morning and plans to watch more golf this afternoon.

Mallon, an Ohio State graduate, won 18 tournaments and four LPGA championships in her career.

The Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo., will host this year’s tournament Aug. 13-18.

Considered a marquee event in women’s golf, the Solheim Cup is played every other year and the United States hosts it once every four years. In 2011, Europe defeated the United States 15-13 at Killeen Castle Golf Resort in County Meath, Ireland.

Becky Newell, a 1979 graduate of Maumee High School, is the Solheim Cup tournament director.