The United States completed a great weekend on Sunday, surpassing the 14.5 points needed to defeat Europe and win their eleventh Solheim Cup, the first in the last seven years for the Americans. The United States entered the final day at the Robert Trent Jones Club in Gainesville, Virginia, with a four-point lead over Europe and did not waste the opportunity to win the title. They closed their weekend with a final score of 15.5-12.5.
Her victory ended three consecutive editions won by Europe, including the 2023 edition held at the Finca Cortersín course in Malaga (Spain). “It’s a dream come true,” said the American Nelly Korda, world number one, after Lilia Vu, with a putt On the 18th hole, he sealed the victory. The European team was on the ropes, but competed with great pride and gave itself a chance, cutting the deficit to 11-14 and fighting until the end to reduce the gap even further.
The British Charley Hull won by six up with four holes to play (6 and 4) against Korda; the also British Georgia Hall triumphed against Alison Lee (4 and 3), the French Celine Boutier defeated Lexi Thompson (1 up) and Leona Maguire beat Ally Ewing (4 and 3). However, the United States reached 14 points with the victories of Megan Khang against the Danish Emily Pedersen (6 and 5), of Allisen Corpus against the Swedish Anna Nordqvist (4 and 3) and of Rose Zhang against the Spanish Carlota Ciganda (6 and 4). They only needed to add half a point to achieve mathematical certainty of being champions. And a putt Lilia Vu’s final sealed victory after drawing against Switzerland’s Albane Valenzuela.
Europe captain Pedersen admitted that it was “incredible” for her that her team managed to make it through the day after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, considering the great suffering of the previous days.
The Solheim Cup, which was held in two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, will once again be held in even-numbered years. The 2026 edition will be held at Bernardus Golf Club in Cromvoirt (Netherlands).
