By: Max Bechtoldt
Day one of the Solheim Cup is done, and the European team has a lot of work to do. The United States lead 6-2 over the Europeans and were dominant in many of their wins. The matchups for the morning on day 2 are now out.
7:05 – Nelly Korda & Allisen Corpuz vs Emily Pedersen & Carlota Ciganda
No surprise, Stacy Lewis is sending Korda and Corpuz right back out there with the first match. This duo is 3-0 in its foursomes career and if today is any indication, it won’t change soon. Korda was the strongest player for Team USA on the first day. Meanwhile, Pedersen and Ciganda were both a bit up-and-down on the first day. Both of these players are a bit erratic off the tee at times, so it could be interesting. Korda and Corpuz are the clear favorites here.
Advantage: United States
7:17 – Ally Ewing & Jennifer Kupcho vs Esther Henseleit & Charley Hull
Despite the lone opening loss for the United States, I fully agree with Lewis’s decision to send Kupcho and Ewing back out. Despite falling behind early, they battled back and took the match all the way to the 18th hole. Henseleit and Hull were probably the strongest overall team in the morning Friday, despite the loss. They faced a tough matchup and battled back in it around the turn.
Advantage – Draw
7:29 – Lexi Thompson & Lauren Coughlin vs Maja Stark & Georgia Hall
This is an interesting one, as Thompson struggled with Alison Lee in four ball, while Coughlin had a dream start to the event. Maja Stark looked strong in her morning match, but really struggled in the afternoon. Hall was a victim of a beat down from Korda and Megan Khang where her and Leona Maguire were never in the match. Coughlin is the one in clearly the best form and has Lexi Thompson, traditionally a strong foursomes player, in her corner.
Advantage – United States
7:41 – Lilia Vu & Sarah Schmelzel vs Anna Nordqvist & Celine Boutier
Easily the best match on paper considering the performances today. Lilia Vu and Sarah Schmelzel paired well to defeat the traditionally solid duo of Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda. They both putt well, have similar styles and Schmelzel was a real stand out Friday. Anna Nordqvist clearly has the performance of the day for Europe, fueling the massive blowout against Lexi Thompson and Alison Lee. Boutier quietly had a solid morning as well despite her early loss. Her putter was in good form and she performed the better of her pairing.
Advantage: Draw
SATURDAY FOURSOMES PREDICTION
UNITED STATES 3 – EUROPE – 1
