Europe looking for minor miracle as USA maintain Solheim Cup advantage

As we gear up for the final day of the Solheim Cup, the USA finds itself in a strong position with a 10-6 lead over Europe heading into the singles matches on Sunday. The home team needs just four and a half points to secure victory, and the pressure is palpable. Ewan Murray at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club captured the atmosphere after Saturday’s play, evoking memories of the unforgettable comeback by Europe in 2012 at Medinah, where they turned a 10-4 deficit into a stunning victory.

In light of the current situation, seasoned players like Carlota Ciganda, Emily Pedersen, Charley Hull, and Georgia Hall are holding onto hope for Europe after winning two out of the four ball pairings. But as Stacy Lewis and her team prepare for the final push, the ghosts of Medinah loom large, a reminder that the match isn’t over yet.

This year’s Solheim Cup has certainly had its challenges, particularly for the European team. A notable incident during Saturday’s play reflected the intense emotions on the course. When Alison Lee made an eagle on the second hole, the crowd erupted in excitement. However, the subsequent celebration by her caddies crossed a line, leaving Europe’s Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagstrom visibly upset and dampening the competitive spirit.

For Europe, the response to the US’s display of confidence came too late. Leona Maguire, a standout in previous Cups, made a surprising minimal impact, playing only one match leading into Sunday—a stark contrast to her usual performances.

The drama of the day included Megan Khang’s incredible 20-foot putt on the 11th hole, which appeared set to miss before dramatically dropping in, an example of the luck that has favored the US team. Andrea Lee’s clutch bunker shot at the 13th also helped swing momentum, contributing to her team’s 6&4 victory over Linn Grant and Celine Boutier.

Lee shared her excitement after the match, saying, “That was one of the coolest moments of my life. We celebrated exactly how we wanted to.” However, their match against Nordqvist and Sagstrom ended early at the 15th green, sealing the USA’s 10 points.

On the bright side for Europe, Pedersen’s solid performance alongside Ciganda secured a 2&1 victory, while Hull clinched another point against Corpuz and Vu.

The morning foursomes brought some renewed energy for Europe, managing to tie at 2-2 after suffering heavy losses in the earlier sessions. Sitting out star player Nelly Korda allowed for a strategic win, but Esther Henseleit and Hull countered with a victory of their own, bringing balance back to the competition.

Despite the frustrations of the day, LPGA Tour head Mollie Marcoux Samaan acknowledged and took responsibility for the logistical issues that kept many fans from witnessing the initial tee shots on Friday. “There were miscalculations, and the planning was not sufficient for that day,” she noted, stressing the commitment to improve in the future.

As we look ahead to Sunday, excitement is building. Will the US maintain its lead, or will Europe rise to the challenge and mirror past triumphs? The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: every point counts, and the pressure is undeniably on.