Solheim Cup 2024: US beat Europe in Virginia for first win since 2017

The United States broke a seven-year dry spell in the Solheim Cup, clinching a narrow 15½-12½ win against Europe in Virginia.

Lilia Vu, currently ranked second in the world, clinched the victory by sinking a short birdie putt on the 18th hole, earning a half point against Albane Valenzuela. This decisive moment came after the defending champions, Europe, put up a strong fight, making for an exciting and suspenseful conclusion to the match.

"It could have turned out in any direction; it's incredible how everything played out," stated US captain Stacy Lewis.

"It's incredible how frequently everything hinges on just a small margin, and we're glad to find ourselves in a favorable position this time around."

Europe's captain, Suzann Pettersen, remarked, "We really challenged them. There were moments when we felt we had opportunities, and several times we genuinely believed we could pull it off."

I'm glad for Stacy being at home, but we'll return with a strong determination.

"I’ve really loved every moment of it, whether I come out on top or not. Winning is definitely enjoyable, while losing stings a bit more."

The groundwork for the US win was established on Friday, as they triumphed in both sessions with a score of 3-1, giving them a 6-2 advantage.

On Saturday, a strong foundation was established as the home team successfully faced off against tough European competitors in the morning foursomes, and they also managed to maintain their position in the afternoon fourballs, leaving them with a 10-6 advantage heading into Sunday.

However, Pettersen's team went to sleep with hopes of a 'Manassas miracle', drawing inspiration from the 'Medinah miracle' at the European Ryder Cup in 2012, where they made an impressive comeback from a 10-6 deficit to win against all expectations. On a warm day near Washington DC, they nearly achieved something similar.

The Europeans walked purposefully and silently to the first tee, a stark difference to their rivals, who were fully embracing the lively atmosphere. They danced as they approached the tee, energizing the eager home crowd even more.

Europe needed eight more points to achieve the 14 necessary to win the trophy for the fourth consecutive time, and Pettersen mentioned that she had to send out her top-performing players at the start of Sunday's 12 singles matches.

The English duo of Charley Hull and Georgia Hall took charge from the beginning.

Hull, competing against world number one Nelly Korda, secured an impressive 6&4 victory. Meanwhile, Hall contributed another point for Europe in match three, achieving a convincing 4&3 win over Alison Lee.

However, amidst those outcomes, Megan Khang decisively defeated Emily Pedersen with a score of 6&5, giving the US an 11-8 lead and bringing them just three and a half points away from victory.

In a swift sequence, Allisen Corpuz triumphed over Anna Nordqvist with a 4&3 victory, and former world amateur number one Zhang dominated Carlota Ciganda, winning 6&4. Zhang stood out as the only player to secure four points throughout the week.

However, anxiety began to set in as the scoreboard displayed a European blue in the lower section, creating a tense finish along the shores of Lake Manassas.

Germany's Olympic silver medalist, Esther Henseleit, made an impressive comeback by winning four consecutive holes starting from the eighth, reversing her match from being two down to two up against Andrea Lee. Meanwhile, Madelene Sagstrom from Sweden and Leona Maguire from Ireland were also in the lead.

The European team kept the energy going as Celine Boutier secured three consecutive holes starting from the 12th, matching Lexi Thompson, who is set to retire. Meanwhile, Linn Grant made a comeback, recovering from being three holes behind Jennifer Kupcho to tie the match after nine holes.

However, as is frequently the case, circumstances shifted.

Sarah Schmelzel, making her debut in the US, matched Sagstrom's score on the challenging 14th hole after she recorded two chip-ins and an eagle during her round.

Ahead on the course, Andrea Lee managed to bring down Henseleit on the 18th hole. However, the German player narrowly missed out on a crucial 20-foot putt that could have secured a point, allowing the US team to salvage an important half.

This gave Thompson the chance to conclude her Solheim experience on a high note by clinching the winning point. However, she missed her birdie putt at the end, while a composed Boutier sank hers, contributing another point to the blue team.

Shortly after, Maguire secured her win against Ally Ewing with a 4&3 score, helping to maintain Europe’s chances as the score stood at 13½-10½. Meanwhile, supporters from both sides eagerly scanned the scoreboard, looking for where the remaining points would be claimed.

Local favorite Lauren Coughlin, who had rallied from three holes down after the 10th against Maja Stark, was the first to have a chance to secure the trophy with a putt. However, her attempt from 15 feet fell short. In a calm response, the Swedish player confidently sank her putt from 10 feet, keeping Europe in the competition, though they were still trailing 14 to 11.

Valenzuela and Vu from Switzerland approached the 18th hole next. The American player kept her hopes alive by sinking a 15-foot putt on the 17th, pulling back from a two-hole deficit with only two holes remaining.

She skillfully guided her shot on the final hole, bringing it close to the pin, just two feet away. This put pressure on Valenzuela, who needed to make a 30-foot putt to tie the hole and keep her hopes of winning the match alive. Unfortunately, she missed the shot, and Vu easily tapped in, leading to cheers and celebrations for the Americans.

In the last two matches, Sagstrom secured a victory on the 18th hole, adding another point for Europe, while Kupcho triumphed with a 2&1 win against Grant on the 17th hole.