The Solheim Cup got off to a disastrous start for the European team as they suffered a humiliating defeat in the morning foursomes against the United States. The US team dominated and secured a commanding 4-0 lead. It seemed as though the European team was on the brink of collapse, but they managed to rally in the afternoon fourballs.
Gemma Dryburgh and Madelene Sagström secured the first point for Europe with a half-point against Rose Zhang and Megan Khang. However, the team needed more than just a half-point to turn the tide. It was Leona Maguire who emerged as the hero of the day for Europe.
Maguire found herself in trouble on the 18th hole, but she managed to chip in for a four, securing a full point for Europe. This turned the momentum in their favor, and Carlota Ciganda and Linn Grant followed suit with a comfortable victory over Angel Yin and Ally Ewing.
Jennifer Kupcho and Allisen Corpuz were all square with Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark heading into the 18th hole. Corpuz calmly converted a putt from 15ft to secure a point for the US, but Stark matched her with a solid putt of her own. Despite the loss, the European team had staged an impressive fightback and won the afternoon 3-1.
The US still holds a 5-3 lead heading into day two, but the momentum has shifted, and the Europeans are back in the contest. European captain, Suzann Pettersen, expressed her pride in her team’s resilience and fighting spirit. She acknowledged the tough start but believes they are still in the competition.
Pettersen and her team had to regroup after a disappointing morning in the foursomes. There are already questions surrounding some of Pettersen’s decisions as captain. Charley Hull had revealed her neck injury before the tournament, yet she was still included in the morning foursomes. Pettersen’s decision to leave out Caroline Hedwall and Ciganda from the foursomes was also questionable.
Despite the criticism, these decisions will be forgotten if the European team can continue their comeback in the remaining days of the Solheim Cup. US captain, Stacy Lewis, who was initially cruising to victory, now has reason to be wary of the European team’s resurgence. The competition has transformed from a procession into a proper contest, and only time will tell who will come out on top in the end.