U.S. Solheim Cup captain Angela Stanford wasted zero time making a critical call for Friday morning’s opening foursomes session, and honestly, who could blame her? Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz are officially locked in to reunite, a duo that has been absolutely lights out in the alternate-shot format. These two have gone a perfect 2-0 in each of the last two editions of the Cup, in both 2023 and 2024.
The American Super Duo Returns
Stanford knew what was up. She literally said, “I feel like if I didn’t put those two out, I would’ve heard about.” And yeah, she would have! This American super duo is back for their fifth run together, and their first opponent? None other than Charley Hull, a veteran into her eighth Solheim Cup, and Lottie Woad, a rookie who is somehow already Europe’s top-ranked player at world No. 7. Talk about throwing them into the fire! Korda, the world No. 1, facing Europe’s best new blood right out of the gate. That’s a serious opening match, with an average world rank of 12. Hull and Esther Henseleit fell 3 and 2 to Korda and Corpuz in 2024’s opening foursomes. Korda’s career foursomes record is 6-2, while Hull’s is 6-3-1 despite five different partners. Hull actually has a 2-1-1 record against Korda in any format, even routing her 6 and 4 in singles back in 2024. This won’t be easy, but you gotta love Stanford’s confidence!
New Faces and Old History
It’s not just Korda and Corpuz making waves. Lauren Coughlin and Rose Zhang teamed up in 2024 for an opening foursomes point. This year, Coughlin is pairing with Alison Lee against Celine Boutier and Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Zhang is now with Jennifer Kupcho, taking on Maja Stark and Linn Grant. Interestingly, Stark and Grant are the only European duo on Friday morning with previous foursomes experience together, going 1-1 in 2023. Korda and Corpuz are the only familiar U.S. pair. Historically, Europe has dominated the all-time foursomes series, leading 72.5-68.5. The U.S. has only outscored Europe in foursomes three times in the last 14 Solheim Cups: 2007, 2023, and 2024. So, the recent trend is looking good for the U.S., but history overall leans European.
What’s Next on the Green?
The first matches kick off super early from Cromvoirt, Netherlands. Allisen Corpuz and Nelly Korda tee off at 1:40 AM ET against Charley Hull and Lottie Woad. Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin follow at 1:52 AM ET, then Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan at 2:04 AM ET, and finally Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho at 2:16 AM ET. It’s an early start, but these foursomes matches are going to set the tone for the entire Cup. After these alternate-shot battles, the teams will switch gears for Friday’s second session, diving into four fourballs matches, where it’s better ball. You gotta be hyped for this; it’s going to be an intense opening day!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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