It could have gotten ugly fast. Team Europe, however, holed three shots in the afternoon session of fourball – including the only ace ever recorded in Solheim Cup’s history – to gain momentum and claw back after the U.S. The U.S. team had swept the morning session.
It looked at one point as if Europe would sweep the afternoon. Three of the four matches extended to the 18th, as the sun began to set, but Europe still managed to score three points. They now trail the Americans by 5-3, with only two days of competition left.
Suzann Petersen, captain of the European team, said: “I’m extremely proud of how the whole team fought back on the afternoon.” It’s hard to stand at the tee knowing that you are four down after the first round. I have to give a shout out to my players for the way they battled and showed their character this Friday afternoon. “I thought the level of golf played in the late afternoon was incredible.”
Solheim Cup: Photos
Leona Maguire and Georgia Hall, who together are the European partners of Leona Maguire were able to score the first full point for Europe on the 18th green, secured the undisputed MVP at the 2021 Cup in Inverness.
Pettersen said: “She turned to me and asked, “How would you have done that?” “And I replied, “just the same.” ”
Maguire and Hall both played 36 holes on the hilly Finca Cortesin, but they dug deep.
Maguire said, “It was tough with the wind.” I don’t believe I have ever hit so many 3-woods. “But every half-point, every point is hard-earned, and I’m really proud of our team for fighting back today.”
Emily Pedersen was struggling early on Friday, but she gave the home crowd an energy boost with a nearly second ace at the par-3 12th hole and a near-ace on the 17th.
Gemma Dryburgh, Team Europe, reacts at the 12th hole during Day One of the Solheim Cup on September 22, 2023 at Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Casares. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images).
Gemma Dryburgh, a rookie playing with Madelene Sagstrom on the 16th hole, chipped in within a short time. Rose Zhang made a birdie on the top of the hole to halve it, but Pettersen’s team still had momentum.
Dryburgh said, “I enjoyed every moment of it.” “That chip-in was the pinnacle. But I had to calm down for the next.
Carlota Ciganda, from Spain, waited for her whole life to play in a Solheim Cup. Then she had to wait until the morning to be put in the lineup by Pettersen. The Spaniard did not disappoint. She teamed up with Sweden’s Linn Grant for Europe’s most decisive win, 4 and 2.
Pettersen said, “Carlota I’m trying to attach a leash this week.” “I mean she would fly off if she had the ability to do so. I’m just trying to keep the girl grounded. “She’s playing brilliantly.”
