Solheim Cup continues to battle down the final hole
Luckily for the Solheim Cup players their golf was barely affected by the Corona pandemic of 2020. Golf on the long, straight and narrow just went ahead last year, more often than not without spectators. So how are the teams playing in the 17th edition of the once in two years Solheim Cup being held at the Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio in America from 4th to 6th September?
The start was glorious for Team Europe who led the opening day on Saturday with a three point lead: Europe 5.5 points, USA 2.5 points. Foursomes in the morning and fourballs after lunch. Now that’s a perfect way to kick-off the female version of the Ryder Cup.
Rookies Matilda Castren and Leona Maguire, both Captain’s picks by Europe’s leader Catriona Matthew from Scotland, got off to a blistering start each claiming two points with their partners in their debut matches.
Team Europe was delighted with its play on Saturday winning 3.5 points of the four morning foursomes, all in tight matches which finished down the final hole.
It was Anna Nordqvist and Matilda Castren who earned the first point for Europe when they beat Austin Ernst and Danielle Kang for a 1-up victory on the 18th. In the afternoon they flourished again in the first afternoon fourball match by becoming champions over Lexi Thompson and Captain’s pick Mina Harigae in an exciting match where they finished 4-up.
The matches kept the supporters cheering all the way down to the clubhouse around the par-72 parkland course which opened back in 1903. The best players in the world will be playing some impeccable rounds across nearly 7,000 yards of golf course at The Inverness GC in Toledo. And yes, we’re talking about some of the greatest golf in the world.
By the way, thinking back to 2019: Team Europe defeated Team USA by 14.5 to 13.5 points at The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire in Scotland. So far, the USA holds a 10-6 advantage in the Solheim Cup. So come on Europe, you can do this!
Wendy Hoad
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: England’s Mel Reid is playing in her fourth Solheim Cup this year.