DORSET sensation Georgia Hall hailed European Solheim Cup captain Annika Sörenstam as “the best woman player that has ever lived”.

The 21-year-old Wimborne-based professional will go into this week’s match play event as a member of Sörenstam’s European team to take on America at Des Moines Country Club in Iowa.

Sweden’s Sorenstam, 46, took the women’s game by storm during her illustrious 15-year career as a professional, which included 89 official wins and 10 major championships.

She racked up $22million in prize money, was inducted to World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003 and also holds the lowest round recorded by any woman, having shot 59 in the 2001 Standard Register PING tournament.

Having also insisted the event means “everything” for her to play in, former Oakmead College pupil Hall is excited to work under Sörenstam’s guidance.

Asked about her team captain, the Dorset professional told the Daily Echo: “When I heard she was captain, I thought it was even more of a reason to get in the team.

“She is the best woman player that has ever lived, in my opinion.

“She was at the British Open and we had a couple of chats. She congratulated me for getting in the team and on my third-place finish.

“It is an honour to play under her captaincy.”

Hall, who represented Europe in the Junior Solheim Cup in 2013, is also excited to get involved in the match play format at the event and is determined to help Europe regain the crown.

“It means everything to me. It’s the main thing I wanted to achieve in my career to play in the Solheim Cup,” she added.

“This is a massive year for me. It’s a massive achievement and I already can’t wait to get out there and represent Europe.

“I don’t get to play match play much. I think this will be my second time as a professional playing match play. It’s a shame I haven’t played it much because I absolutely love it.

“I am really looking forward to that format. It doesn’t matter what you score, you just have to beat the other person and that’s always fun for me.

“You have to be mentally strong, especially if there is a strong American crowd. We will just have to see how it goes but I can’t wait.”

Hall will be one of four rookies on the 12-strong European team, with the main action beginning tomorrow morning.

Emily Pedersen and Madelene Sagstrom, two of Sörenstam's four captain’s wildcard picks, will feature for the first time. Florentyna Parker is also set for her Solheim Cup debut.

“I think we have a great team and a young team as well, which is good,” Hall added.

“I think we will do well and I like all the girls in the team, so it should be a good week.”