USA defeat Europe to retain Solheim Cup
The United States retained the Solheim Cup on Sunday with a 16.5-11.5 victory over Europe in Iowa.
The hosts went into Sunday's singles matches with a virtually unassailable 10.5-5.5 lead and held off an attempted fightback by Europe to claim a comfortable victory.
The US have now won five of the last seven editions and 10 of 15 since the Solheim Cup started in 1990.
So. Much. Fun. #SolheimCup2017 pic.twitter.com/FWXbOWuSnQ
— #SolheimCup2017 🇺🇸🇪🇺 (@LPGA) August 20, 2017
Europe did their level best to pull things round early on but the tone was set in the first match as Lexi Thompson recovered from 4 down against Anna Nordqvist to earn a half in an incredible contest.
The American eagled both the 11th and 15th and then birdied the 16th to go one up, only for the Swede to hit back on the final hole to halve the match.
Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer then won their matches before Angel Yin put Juli Inkster's team on the brink of victory with a half against Karine Icher.
Carlota Ciganda of Spain defeated Brittany Lincicome 4&3 before Lizette Salas clinched the win with a one up win over England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff.
Check out @LizetteSalas5's final putt on 18 to lock in the cup! #SolheimCup2017 pic.twitter.com/5EfyRGpfKo
— #SolheimCup2017 🇺🇸🇪🇺 (@LPGA) August 20, 2017
Inkster paid tribute to Europe after the win: "The Europeans fought hard today and made it really close.”
"I really haven't been nervous all week but today I was a little bit. It's an honour to captain this team and I'm really proud of the girls."
European captain Annika Sorenstam, who later confirmed she would not return as captain in 2019, said: "We just got outplayed, there's no doubt about it."
That winning feeling ☝️ #SolheimCup2017 #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/Fja8NCbrGW
— #SolheimCup2017 🇺🇸🇪🇺 (@LPGA) August 20, 2017
Latest
-
Courses
Six of the toughest holes in golf anywhere in the world
Check out six of the toughest holes in golf
-
Instruction
WATCH: Tommy Fleetwood explains his three-quarter swing
Tommy Fleetwood has an interesting swing style which has caught the attention of many.
-
Equipment
Lucas Glover raises eyebrows with new broomstick putter from L.A.B
Lucas Glover is set to switch the new L.A.B. Golf DF3 broomstick putter into his bag after a brief trial.
-
Videos
WATCH: Dog proves why he’s man’s best friend with refreshments delivery on golf course
Just when you think a man’s best friend couldn’t get any better somebody shows us they can.
-
Equipment
Cameron Young trialling unusual prototype club at The Players
Cameron Young is out to solve a great riddle of the Players Stadium Course in Palm Valley with an unusual but logical addition to his bag.
-
Courses
How much will a round at Glendower Golf Club’s championship course set you back?
Glendower Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging.
-
Equipment
Ping’s G730 irons deliver on promises of more distance and maximum forgiveness
Ping deliver easy-to-hit high-launch distance irons.
-
Videos
WATCH: Golfer defies logic with sand wedge escape filmed in super-satisfying slow-mo
You won’t see anything more satisfying today.
-
News
Rickie Fowler’s driver trials and tribulations show how tough it is for pros to find the right fit
The driver struggles have been real for Rickie Fowler.