Members of the European team celebrate after winning the 20th Solheim Cup. [Photo=LPGA]
Members of the European team celebrate after winning the 20th Solheim Cup. [Photo=LPGA]

Europe reclaimed the Solheim Cup for the first time in two years, defeating the United States at the 20th edition of women's golf's premier continental team competition.

The European side, captained by Anna Nordqvist, went 7-5 in Sunday's (local time) singles matches at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, North Brabant, Netherlands, to seal a 15-13 victory on aggregate.

Europe had lost 12.5-15.5 to the United States at the 2024 edition in Virginia, but avenged that defeat on home soil to lift the Solheim Cup for the eighth time, against 11 losses and one draw.

The opening two days produced a perfectly balanced contest. Both teams split the foursomes — in which partners alternate shots on a single ball — and the fourballs — in which each player uses their own ball and the better score counts — two wins apiece, leaving the match tied 4-4.

On the second morning, Europe surged ahead in the foursomes, winning 3-1 to lead 7-5, but the United States hit back with a 3-1 fourballs sweep in the afternoon to pull the match back to square one at 8-8.

The decisive moment came in Sunday's (local time) 12 singles matches. Europe went 7-5 in the singles to add seven points, pulling clear of a United States side that could manage only five.

Europe seized control early through a blend of veteran experience and rookie energy. Charley Hull of England beat Megan Khang 3&2, while fellow Englishwoman and rookie Mimi Rhodes caused a major upset by defeating world No. 1 Nelly Korda 4&2. Linn Grant of Sweden, who went unbeaten in four matches at the event, also contributed decisively, beating Angel Yin 4&3.

The closing stages were settled by a young rookie and a seasoned veteran. Rookie Lottie Woad of England beat Auston Kim 2&1 to give Europe its 14th point, before veteran Carlota Ciganda of Spain clinched a 3&2 win over Jennifer Kupcho on the 16th hole to deliver the 15th point Europe needed to secure the title outright.

The victory lifted Europe's all-time record to 8 wins, 1 draw and 11 losses. Nordqvist, winning the Solheim Cup in her first stint as captain, said the team's focus from the opening hole made the difference. "Every single player showed strong concentration from the first hole, and building a blue leaderboard — our team color — from early on was key," she said.

United States captain Angela Stanford acknowledged the defeat, saying her players had fought hard to the end but that Europe had shown superior composure and decisiveness in the critical singles matches.


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