Europe wrestled the Solheim Cup back from the United States with a 15-13 victory at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands on Sunday, securing the trophy in a singles format where they’ve been unbeatable since 2015. After two days where Europe only managed to draw 8-8 with Team USA, their big names absolutely lit up the course when it mattered most.
The European Powerhouses Absolutely Showed Up
Talk about clutch performances! Charley Hull, who only had half a point from the first two days, kicked things off for Anna Nordqvist’s squad by taking down American livewire Megan Khang with a decisive 3&2 win. What a way to get the momentum swinging, right? Then came Lottie Woad, another top-10 player, who delivered her own 2&1 win over debutant Auston Kim. The greens erupted with wild celebrations on the 17th, and you could feel the tide turning. But the absolute nail in the coffin? That was Carlota Ciganda. She went three holes up heading onto the 16th in her match against Jennifer Kupcho, guaranteeing Europe would hit the 14½ points needed for the win. Nordqvist didn’t even blink, saying it was a “no-brainer to put Charley first,” noting she and Woad made the most birdies all week. And Ciganda? She’s “done it in the past,” as the captain confirmed, sealing the deal in fitting fashion.
Rookies Impressed, But Momentum Vanished for Team USA
Seriously, give massive credit to Europe’s rookie quartet. Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez and France’s Nastasia Nadaud, who’d already been stellar in foursomes and fourballs, kept that fire going. Lopez Ramirez crushed Yealimi Noh 3&2, and Nadaud stayed in control to beat Andrea Lee by the same score. This crew showed they’re absolutely built for the biggest stages. Remember Saturday evening, when Kupcho hushed the crowd after a ridiculous 91-foot putt and then a 30-footer on the 18th to steal a point from Ciganda? Everyone thought that was the moment, that momentum had swung to Angela Stanford’s team. But less than 24 hours later? Nada. Team USA had “little to cheer” as Europe celebrated in blue and yellow. Sure, Lauren Coughlin, Lindy Duncan, and Alison Lee chipped in with points, with Lee even pulling off the biggest singles comeback in Solheim Cup history, coming back from four holes down to win 1UP. But it just wasn’t enough. As Stanford said, “The Europeans played great today… Their backs were against the wall, they had nothing to lose.” And they absolutely played like it.
So, the US’s wait for a win on European soil stretches on, going all the way back to 2015. By the time Rose Zhang finished her 2UP win, the party was already in full swing for Europe.
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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