Among the far-reaching effects of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was the impact on the golf world.

The 2001 edition of The Ryder Cup was only weeks away from being played when the attacks happened, forcing a postponement of the event until 2002. The ripples also extended to both The Solheim Cup and The Presidents Cup, which were played in even-numbered years opposite The Ryder Cup. Ultimately, The Solheim Cup was shifted to be played in odd-numbered years opposite The Ryder Cup, beginning in 2003.

For the first time, The Solheim Cup was held outside the U.S. or U.K., this time in Sweden. However, the Europeans’ luck did not look to be faring well from the beginning. Two days prior to the start of the tournament, Sweden’s minister of foreign affairs, Anna Lindh, was murdered. And, European captain Catrin Nilsmark was in the hospital, due to a slipped disk in her back, less than one week prior to the tournament.

Nilsmark and the Ladies European Tour representatives all said she would be able to lead the European Tour throughout The Solheim Cup and even with the tragic death of Lindh, the Solheim family and President of the Swedish Golf Federation decided The Solheim Cup would continue as planned.

An outpouring of support from almost 100,000 Swedish fans became part of the golf tournament of the millennium for Sweden with the European team triumphing with a 17 ¹/₂ to 10 ¹/₂ win.