Stacy Lewis was sitting next to LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux-Samaan at the Solheim Cup closing ceremony in Spain when the subject of a play-off came up.
The matches finished in a tie of 14-14 for the first time ever in the history of the Solheim Cup. The cup was retained by Europe because they won the 2021 competition. Lewis’ squad cried while Team Europe members carried Spanish hero Carlota Ciganda on their shoulders around Finca Cortesin.
Captain and commish had a discussion: Should the Solheim Cup introduce a playoff system?
Lewis said to the media afterward, “I don’t know. I mean, obviously, it would be better television.” It would be better for the fans to have a ‘team playoff’ or similar.
“But if it’s about the history of this event, and the history of what men do too, then you should probably keep the Cup.”
To be honest, I don’t really know what to think about it.
Suzann pettersen, captain of Team Europe, celebrates the Solheim Cup with her team at Finca Cortesin Golf Club. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images).
The Ryder Cup ended in a draw twice, including this first time for Solheim. In 1969 the United States won against Great Britain and in 1989 Europe won at The Belfry.
Tiger Woods and Ernie Els faced off in a sudden death playoff after the 2003 Presidents Cup in South Africa ended in a tie of 17-17. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and their respective captains decided to share the Cup after three holes.
Woods said that the playoff was one of his most nerve wracking golf experiences.
Woods said 20 years ago: “I don’t believe any team felt comfortable at all with having two guys decide on the fate of their entire team in an extra hole.” It’s part of the agreement between the captains and the rules for the competition.
“But we didn’t like it. This is a team-based event and not an individual one. We are here together as a group and would like to make decisions as a group and not individually.”
If the Presidents Cup is tied at 15-15, both teams share the trophy.
Social media was abuzz with reactions from players and fans in the wake of the Solheim. Three-time Team USA captain Juli Inkster said that captains should be required to compete for the title.
In a Golfweek Twitter survey that received 2,513 votes, opinions on a playoff were divided. 51 percent voted yes, including Brittany Lincicome, the former Solheim Cup winner.
Should the Solheim Cup have a playoff to ensure that the event doesn’t end up in a draw?
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 24, 2023
What other people had to say regarding the first tie of the event:
