Europe Retains Solheim Cup in Historic Tie: What You Need to Know
Europe has retained the Solheim Cup, with a thunderous rally during Sunday’s final singles matches at Finca Cortesin in Spain. It was a 14-14 tie, the first tied result in the event’s 33-year history, but tradition in this format is that the cup remains with the previous winner in such a circumstance. Here’s what you need to know:
Carlota Ciganda earned the 14th point for Europe with a birdie on No. 17. The Spaniard and the United States’ Nelly Korda were tied through 15 holes, but Ciganda birdied the 16th and hit a spectacular shot on the par-3 17th to set up the cup-winning putt.
Europe has won three straight Solheim Cups and five of the last seven.
The United States will have another chance to win the Solheim Cup in a year, when it will be played at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.
What happened
It certainly looked like the United States was set to take back the Solheim Cup. Captain Stacy Lewis’ faith in Megan Khang and Danielle Kang to go out in two of the first three matches was rewarded with both taking a full point, and Angel Yin and Lilia Vu also won their singles matches. It was 13-11 in favor of the United States, with several paths to get to the necessary 14 1/2 points.
Then Europe, as it has so often done recently in this biennial competition, took control with some dominant golf. Caroline Hedwall was 3-down with six holes to play but then went birdie-birdie-par-birdie-birdie over the next five to wrest the match from Ally Ewing’s grasp.
Maja Stark closed out Allisen Corpuz, Gemma Dryburgh earned a half-point and then Ciganda — Europe’s emotional leader — had the privilege of winning the cup on home soil.
Lexi Thompson won the final singles match, 2 & 1, to give the United States a 14th point.
Backstory
The United States and Europe entered Sunday singles tied 8-8, setting up a dramatic final day. The U.S. ran out to a 4-0 lead after Friday’s first session, but Europe won both fourball sessions 3-1 and tied Saturday foursomes 2-2 to get things back all square.
Europe has not earned more than 15 points in winning the last three Solheim Cups.
(Photo of Caroline Hedwall: Stuart Franklin / Getty Images)
Europe has once again proven its dominance in women’s golf by retaining the Solheim Cup in a historic tie against the United States. The thrilling final singles matches held at Finca Cortesin in Spain ended with a 14-14 draw, marking the first time in the event’s 33-year history that a tie has occurred. However, according to tradition, the cup remains with the previous winner in such a situation. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired during this captivating tournament.
The decisive 14th point for Europe was secured by Carlota Ciganda, who showcased her skill with a birdie on the 17th hole. Ciganda and Nelly Korda from the United States were neck and neck through 15 holes, but Ciganda’s birdie on the 16th and an exceptional shot on the par-3 17th set her up for the cup-winning putt.
This victory marks Europe’s third consecutive Solheim Cup win and their fifth triumph in the last seven tournaments. The United States will have another opportunity to reclaim the cup next year when the event takes place at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
The tournament took an unexpected turn as the United States initially seemed poised to reclaim the Solheim Cup. Captain Stacy Lewis’ strategic decision to send Megan Khang and Danielle Kang out in two of the first three matches paid off, with both players securing full points. Angel Yin and Lilia Vu also emerged victorious in their singles matches, giving the United States a 13-11 lead and several paths to reach the required 14 1/2 points.
However, Europe, known for its resilience in this biennial competition, staged a remarkable comeback. Caroline Hedwall, who was trailing by three holes with six to play, displayed exceptional golf skills by scoring birdie-birdie-par-birdie-birdie over the next five holes, snatching victory from Ally Ewing’s grasp. Maja Stark closed out Allisen Corpuz, Gemma Dryburgh earned a half-point, and Carlota Ciganda, Europe’s emotional leader, had the honor of securing the cup on home soil.
In the final singles match, Lexi Thompson secured a 2 & 1 victory, earning the United States its 14th point. Despite their efforts, it was not enough to secure the cup.
The tournament began with an intense battle between the United States and Europe, entering Sunday’s singles matches tied at 8-8. The stage was set for a dramatic final day. The United States initially dominated, taking a commanding 4-0 lead after Friday’s first session. However, Europe fought back strongly, winning both fourball sessions 3-1 and tying Saturday’s foursomes 2-2, leveling the playing field.
Europe’s recent Solheim Cup victories have not seen them earn more than 15 points. This year’s tie further highlights the closely contested nature of this prestigious event.
The Solheim Cup serves as a testament to the skill and competitiveness of women’s golf. The thrilling matches and remarkable comebacks witnessed at Finca Cortesin in Spain captivated fans worldwide. With Europe’s continued success, the United States will undoubtedly be eager to reclaim the cup next year when the tournament heads to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
(Photo of Caroline Hedwall: Stuart Franklin / Getty Images)