By: Max Bechtoldt
For the first time since 2017, the United States has claimed ownership of the Solheim Cup with a 15 1/2 to 12 1/2 win over Europe.
The day started as a mixed bag, with world No. 1 Nelly Korda falling behind a brilliant Charley Hull early. Hers was the first match finished, falling 6&4, with Hull never letting her in the match. Luckily, Megan Khang wasn’t far behind with an electric 6&5 win over Emily Pedersen. Khang is now 7-0-1 in her last eight matches.
Georgia Hall was dominant over Alison Lee, winning 4&3, and it never seemed that close. Lee struggled with her putter all day, seemingly holing nothing.
Allisen Corpuz and Rose Zhang though, both seemingly the underdogs against Solheim Cup greats Anna Nordqvist and Carlota Ciganda respectively, both dominated, with multiple hole leads each.
Lexi Thompson gave up a large lead to lose to Celine Boutier, while Leona Maguire showed off her Solheim Cup skill, dominating Ally Ewing all day. Those swings started to ratchet up the nerves of the United States.
Andrea Lee grinded out a terrific halve against Esther Henseleit, as did Lauren Coughlin. The United States were behind in both matches most of the day. Coughlin nearly won her match to seal the cup, but Maja Stark hit a phenomenal putt to keep the Europeans alive.
It all came down to Lilia Vu against Albane Valenzuela, with Valenzuela up two with two holes left to play. Vu, the No. 2 player in the world, birdied the last two to clinch the Solheim Cup. On 18 she hit a beautiful approach to only about three feet.
After the result was decided, Madelene Sagström defeated Sarah Schmelzel in a terrific match, and Jennifer Kupcho defeated Linn Grant.
Stay tuned to Fore-All.com for continuing coverage of the 2024 Solheim Cup.
