Europe retained the Solheim Cup in a thunderous rally at Spain’s Finca Cortesin in Sunday’s final singles matches. It was a 14-14 tie, the first tie in the 33-year history, but the tradition in this format is that in this case the trophy goes to the previous winner. Here’s what you need to know:
Carlotta Siganda birdied the 17th to score 14th for Europe. The Spaniard and Nelly Korda of the United States were tied through 15 holes, but Siganda birdied the 16th and hit a stunning shot on the par-3 17th to set up the match. The trophy winner putt. Europe has won three Solheim Cups in a row and five of the last seven. The United States will have another chance to win the Solheim Cup in a year at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.
what happened
It certainly looks like the United States is poised to take back the Solheim Cup. Captain Stacey Lewis’ faith in Megan Kang and Danielle Kang was rewarded as they both earned full points to take two of the first three matches, and Angel Yin and Lilia Vu also won their singles matches. It was 13-11 for the United States in several ways to reach the necessary 14 1/2 points.
Then Europe, as it will soon do in this biennial tournament, dominates with some golf. Caroline Hedwall was 3-under to play six holes but then went birdie-birdie-par-birdie-birdie on the next five to wrest the match from Ali Ewing.
Maja Starc shut out Alisson Corpuz, Gemma Dreberg got half a point and then Siganda – Europe’s sensational leader – earned the chance to win the title on home soil.
Lexi Thompson won the final singles match 2 and 1 to score 14 points for the United States.
Back story
The United States and Europe entered Sunday’s singles tied at 8-8, setting up an impressive final day. The U.S. jumped out to a 4-0 lead after Friday’s first period, but Europe won both four-ball sessions 3-1 and took four games 2-2 on Saturday to turn things around.
Europe hasn’t scored more than 15 points in its last three Solheim Cup wins.
(Photo of Caroline Hedwall: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)