Europe completed a record-breaking Solheim Cup victory on Sunday when they blew away the US in an 18-10 triumph to retain the trophy they won two years ago in Ireland.
The victory was Europe’s first in the US and also set a new mark for biggest margin of victory, topping Europe’s 17.5-10.5 rout of the Americans in 2003.
Needing only 3.5 points to retain the Cup for the first time, the Europeans instead made a statement by seizing 7.5 points during Sunday’s closing singles at Colorado Golf Club.
Photo: AFP
Swede Caroline Hedwall became the first player to win five matches in Solheim Cup history and appropriately clinched the victory when she hit an approach shot within a few feet to defeat Michelle Wie 1-up.
“I am so proud of my team,” Europe captain Liselotte Neumann, also Swedish, told reporters. “Caroline really stepped up to the plate, winning five which has never been done.”
A weather delay due to lightning in the area postponed what was a European coronation late in the day in Parker, Colorado, but it could not prevent the inevitable.
Photo: AFP
The record margin of victory was sealed in the day’s final match when Frenchwoman Karine Icher fought back from a late deficit to earn a half-point against Cristie Kerr.
It was another bitter moment for Kerr after she and Icher were involved in a heated 30-minute dispute on Saturday over a ball drop in the fourballs.
The European team, which featured six rookies, maintained the momentum they established when they grabbed a 10.5-5.5 advantage following Saturday’s matches.
Briton Charley Hull, at 17 the youngest player in the event’s history, showed poise and few nerves during a strong performance, easily dispatching Paula Creamer 5 and 4.
“I didn’t feel nervous,” Hull said. “I am not going to die if I hit a bad shot. So I just hit it, find it, and hit it again.”
No team had ever rallied from more than two points behind to win the trophy and the US, captained by 18-time LPGA Tour winner Meg Mallon, failed to fire as they suffered a second straight loss in the event.
“This one is completely different. We just got outplayed,” said British Open champion and world No. 2 Stacy Lewis, who finished with a record of 1-2-1.
Wie, a high-profile captain’s pick, picked up two points over the week, but it never looked like being enough to keep her team in the 13th version of the biennial competition.
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