Victory for Europe in Solheim Cup

Golfing girls give their best in Inverness

Team USA fought back tremendously on day two of the Solheim Cup clash played at the Inverness Golf Club in Toldedo, Ohio, USA (4-6 September 2021). They were three behind Team Europe after day one and then magically turned the tide on Sunday clinching the foursomes in the morning, 3 points to 1. Day two concluded with the fourball matches in the afternoon with a narrow defeat of 2.5 points to 1.5 to USA. How is the score looking? Well, surprisingly close actually: USA 7, Europe 9. Team Europe were perhaps on song for a tremendous victory. The question was could they withstand an American singles onslaught on Monday when the whole team tees-off? Time will tell.

The Captain of Team Europe, Catriona Matthew, had had a good feeling about her team even before the 2021 Solheim Cup began:

“If I could have selected all my team of 12 players, then the team would have been exactly what it now is” she proudly reported to the Ladies European Tour. Her feeling was good. On Monday her delightful team played out of their socks to win the Solheim Cup for the second time in a row. This time on foreign soil. All they needed to do was to win 5 of the 12 singles matches to retain the trophy. Now that sounds pretty easy but with America’s strong singles play anything could happen.

Back to back victories

Team Europe put together an impressive line-up for Monday. Europe’s Anna Nordqvist played as number one against Lexi Thompson and produced a halved match. Madelene Sagstrom secured the first whole point for Europe when she beat Ally Ewing by 3&2. At the same time Leona Maguire earned another vital point beating America’s Jennifer Kupcho by 5&4. The 2021 Olympic Gold Medallist Nelly Korda then won a point from Europe’s Georgia Hall on the final hole.

One of six Captain’s picks Celine Boutier then clinched an impressive point from one of America’s chosen three: Mina Harigae. A 5&4 victory was truly joyful for her. Another two points in the bag would mean victory for Europe. But who would produce the goods?

Team America’s Captain Pat Hurst was enjoying her first year at the helm. But could she muster her team to victory?

Americans wake up call

The Americans woke up very quickly at this stage. First a halved match between Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Austin Ernst. Then a 1-up victory for Europe’s Matilda Castren against Lizette Salas. And then USA had a winning surge to recoup 4 winning points.

It was Matilda Castren’s point that sealed the victory for Europe while Emily K. Pederson clinched the winning putt in the final match which now ensures the trophy makes a welcome return back to Europe.

Team Europe Captain Catriona Matthew becomes the first European captain to win the Solheim Cup twice and to defend the trophy. Overwhelmed by the whole situation, she explained:

“I’m so proud of this team. At the end of the day, I don’t hit any golf shots. It is really up to them. They are the ones that won it. They deserve all the credit, so thank you, team. You made me look good.”

Indeed, humble words from a very proud Team Europe Captain for a glorious victory in America: Europe 15 – USA 13.

Many, many congratulations Team Europe on winning the Solheim Cup! This was a magnanimous victory on foreign soil. Our best wishes to you all!

Wendy Hoad