Europe wrestled the Solheim Cup back from the USA with a hard-fought 15-13 victory in the Netherlands on Sunday, fueled by standout singles performances that flipped the script after the teams started the day tied at 8-8. It was a proper comeback, with Europe’s big names finally coming to the fore to seal the deal at Bernardus Golf Club.
Hull and Woad Finally Got Their Points
You gotta hand it to Anna Nordqvist for her Sunday singles lineup, kicking things off with Charley Hull. Hull had only snagged half a point with Lottie Woad over the first two days, an “unprofitable partnership” as they called it. But Nordqvist saw the stats, knew Hull and Woad were top-four in birdies for the week, and stuck with them. Hull went out first and delivered a massive 3&2 win over American livewire Megan Khang, giving Europe an immediate boost. Then Woad, also ranked top 10, followed up with a 2&1 win over debutant Auston Kim, sparking absolute mayhem on the 17th green. Hull even quipped to Woad, “finally got our points didn’t we Lottie,” and you just love to see that kind of redemption. Carlota Ciganda was the one who effectively sealed it, three holes up heading onto the 16th, ensuring Europe hit the 14½ points needed. This was especially sweet after Jennifer Kupcho had snatched a point from Ciganda on Saturday with a wild 91-foot putt on the 17th and a 30-footer on the 18th. Talk about a momentum swing that Europe quickly turned back around.
Rookies Stepped Up and US Couldn’t Keep Pace
The singles format is where Europe shines, remaining unbeaten since their last home defeat in 2015, and this win just solidifies that legacy. A huge shoutout goes to Europe’s quartet of rookies. Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez and France’s Nastasia Nadaud, who impressed all week, continued to show they belonged on the biggest stage. Lopez Ramirez beat Yealimi Noh 3&2, and Nadaud stayed in control against Andrea Lee for another 3&2 win. Mimi Rhodes even put up a fight, only falling to world number one Nelly Korda. The Americans had their moments, sure. Lauren Coughlin ended Leona Maguire’s unbeaten singles record, Lindy Duncan beat Maja Stark, and Alison Lee pulled off the biggest singles comeback in Solheim Cup history, roaring back from four holes down for a 1UP win against Esther Henseleit. But it just wasn’t enough to stop the blue and yellow tide. As US Captain Angela Stanford put it, “The Europeans played great today, and that’s the way it goes. Their backs were against the wall, they had nothing to lose, and that’s exactly what they did, they came out and played well.”
By the time Rose Zhang finished her 2UP win against Celine Boutier in the final match, the European party was already in full swing. Team USA’s wait for a win on European soil stretches on, proving that home-field advantage in the Solheim Cup is no joke. You know they’ll be itching for revenge when these two clash again, but for now, Europe holds the cup!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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