The Solheim Cup once more belongs to the People.
The U.S. staff efficiently completed their leftover enterprise from a yr in the past, profitable the cup for the primary time since 2017. The ultimate rating was 15.5-12.5, the largest hole since 2017 when the People received by 5 factors.
It was Lilia Vu who earned the clinching half-point. Down by one in her match to Albane Valenzuela, Vu despatched the gang at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Gainesville, Va. into hysteria with an method shot at No. 18 hit to 2 ft. Valenzuela left her lengthy birdie putt quick, Vu easily hit her ball in and obtained the U.S. to 14.5 factors.
Vu, wrapped in an American flag, informed NBC that she felt like she had not executed sufficient to assist the staff this week however that Sunday was her probability to make up for it.
“On the 18th gap, in the course of the green, I noticed we had been at 14 factors and I used to be like, oh shoot, I higher birdie this. Let me strive my greatest,” Vu stated.
U.S. captain Stacy Lewis helmed a profitable technique all week, starting on Friday with a pair of classes that the U.S. received 3-1. The European staff fought again to tie the U.S. in each classes on Saturday, however it left the Euros nonetheless 4 factors down and needing a dramatic Sunday singles rally.
That didn’t come, with Lewis placing lots of her greatest gamers all week out first. Whereas Charley Hull dominated world No. 1 Nelly Korda 6&4 within the opening match and Georgia Corridor beat Alison Lee 4&3 in match No. 3, there was sufficient American firepower to earn the mandatory factors.
Megan Khang beat Emily Pedersen 6&5 for level No. 11, and Rose Zhang (4-0 this week with out ever having to play the ultimate two holes) took down Carlota Ciganda 6&4 for the twelfth level. Allisen Corpuz beat Anna Nordqvist 4&3 for the thirteenth level. Andrea Lee earned a half-point towards Esther Henseleit.
There have been then tense moments because the People looked for the clinching level.
Celine Boutier, three down after 11 holes, rallied in her match towards Lexi Thompson, making a birdie on No. 18 to win and slim it to 13.5-9.5. Leona Maguire, curiously solely used as soon as within the first two days regardless of a stellar historical past on this occasion, obtained the Euros to 10.5 factors with a 4&3 win towards Ally Ewing. Then Maja Stark made a 10-foot par putt to half her match with Lauren Coughlin, leaving the U.S. a half-point shy.
A yr in the past the Solheim Cup resulted in a 14-14 tie so the Europeans, winners of the 2019 and 2021 competitions, retained the cup. That left a bitter style within the mouths of the People, who spoke brazenly of their need to complete the job this time round.
The occasion is usually held biennially however was held back-to-back years to get away from the Ryder Cup schedule.
Required studying
(Prime picture of Rose Zhang: Gregory Shamus / Getty Photographs)