The Solheim Cup just stole the Ryder Cup’s thunder. And for those who missed the fireworks on the final day’s singles matches at women golf’s equivalent of the bi-annual US versus Europe team event this would be a good time to check out the highlights - 'nail biting' doesn’t even begin to cover it.
First off the blocks was Caroline Hedwall—a controversial Captain’s pick—who hadn’t notched up a point all week—for the Europeans. On the 13th hole in her singles’ match, Hedwall was three holes down to Ally Ewing when she dropped a birdie to trail by two.
She birdied the 14th, parred the 15th, and sank two incredible putts on the next two holes to script the most come-from-behind matchplay wins in recent times. On the final hole, Hedwall didn’t even have to putt out; Ewing conceded the match, and Hedwall had turned things around for Europe.
Team Europe poses with their Solheim Cup trophy after beating US team. (AFP Photo)
Meanwhile, unfolding a couple of groups behind Hedwall and Ewing was the marquee match—Nelly Korda against local favourite Carlota Ciganda. After shanking an approach on the 15th hole that cost her the hole, Ciganda had squandered a three-hole lead over Korda. The Spaniard then proceeded to hit two stunning approach shots on
the next two holes (both near gimmes) that sealed the match, and the fate of the Solheim Cup.
That said, it’s appropriate that Europe didn’t ‘win’ the Solheim Cup, but ‘retained’ it. The quality of play from both teams—the US and Europe— on the final day of play was downright inspired, with nothing to separate the two sides. And while there’s no question that the hero for the Continentals—Carlota Ciganda—played spectacularly to
outdo Korda, Lexi Thomson equalled things up with her singles win a short while later.
Team Europe got to retain the cup simply because it won it the last time around. There’s no playoff in a team matchplay event and these two teams were too close to call. Korda was clearly distraught, but the one thing that’s really emerged from the 2023 Solheim Cup is a clear leader for the squad.
Not just for the world at large, but even to herself, Korda proved that she could captain the American side. Nothing de facto about leading from the front.
