WORLD TEAM EVENT
Solheim Cup
Europe Retain Solheim Cup
Team Europe defeated Team USA 15 points to 13 points at the 17th Solheim Cup, which was contested at Inverness Golf Club in Ohio. It was just the second time in the event’s history Europe scored victory on US soil (2013, Colorado Golf Club). Europe improved their record in the 12-player team event to seven wins. US own ten wins.
Europe took a 9 to 7 point advantage into Monday’s final day after building their narrow lead with success in the Saturday and Sunday Foursomes and Fourball matches.
The target for either team to win the Solheim Cup outright was to reach 14.5 points. Europe would retain the Cup if they halved this contest at 14 points each as they were the defending champions with their narrow 14.5 to 13.5 win last start in 2019 at Gleneagles, Scotland.
The 12 head-to-head singles matches would decide the contest.
The early signs were positive for Europe winning the first three completed matches to take a commanding 12 to 7 lead.
Swede Madelene Sagstrom defeated Ally Ewing 3&2. Ireland’s Leona Maguire crushed Jennifer Kupcho 5&4. And, France’s Celine Boutier eased Mina Harigae to an emphatic 5&4 victory. All three winners were Captain’s picks selected by team leader Scotland’s Catriona Matthew. Matthew becomes the first European Team Captain to win the Solheim Cup twice.
Europe edged half a point closer to the title with the next completed match halved between Solheim Cup veterans Anna Nordqvist and Lexi Thompson. Sweden’s Nordqvist, who won this year’s British Open, was playing in her sixth Solheim Cup. Thompson, aged just 26, made her fifth Cup appearance.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda claimed the first win in singles for USA outlasting 2018 British Open champion England’s Georgia Hall 1up. Europe’s lead was 12.5 to 8.5. Europe needed just 1.5 points to retain the Solheim Cup, however with seven contests remaining on course they only led in one match—four matches where all square and US players led two matches.
It was game on!
Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen moved Europe to within one point of retaining the Cup when she halved her contest with Austin Ernst.
The score was Europe 13 to USA 9.
The match then tightened with the following two results falling in favour of USA. Megan Khang, aged 23, accounted for Germany’s Sophia Popov 3&2. Then, Brittany Altomare out putted Spain’s Carlota Ciganda to her 2&1 victory. USA narrowed the gap to 13 to 11 points.
Matilda Castren and Lizette Salas match was pivotal in the overall result. Norway’s Castren was making her Solheim Cup debut. This was the fifth event appearance for Salas. Their match was all square after 14 holes before Castren took the lead with a birdie at the 15th hole. The impressive 26-year-old held her nerve to carry her lead to victory over Salas. Castren buried a clutch eight-foot par putt on the final green to earn Europe another point. Her 1up win meant Europe reached 14 points. At the very least, it was enough to retain the Solheim Cup.
Moments, later Cup victory was secured for Europe by Emily Pedersen. The Dane was guaranteed at least half a point after taking a three up lead over Danielle Kang with three holes to play. In the end, Pedersen edged Kang to a 1up victory to move Europe to 15 points and outright Solheim Cup victory.
USA won the two other contests still on the course. Jessica Korda defeated Charley Hull 2&1. Rookie Yealimi Noh defeated Mel Reid 1up.
The 18th Solheim Cup will be staged in 2023 at Finca Cortesín Golf Club in Casares near Málaga, Spain. The venue previously hosted three Volvo World Match Play Championships.
Final Score
Solheim Cup
Europe 15 defeated USA 13
Photo credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
