Europe come back from brink to win Solheim Cup
EUROPE’S women produced a stunning comeback at Killeen Castle in Ireland to end an eight-year wait to regain the Solheim Cup with a 15-13 win over USA.
The home side had led 10-8 and 11-9, but were pegged back and defeat looked on the cards when they trailed 12.5 – 11.5 with only four matches left out on the course.
World No2 Suzann Pettersen provided the catalyst for Europe’s late surge, overcoming Michelle Wie on the final green. Soon after, Swedish debutant Caroline Hedwall won the last two holes to snatch a crucial half point against Ryann O’Toole, who bogeyed both closing holes.
Azahara Munoz then birdied the 17th to win her match against Angela Stanford and signal the start of the party as Europe celebrated victory for the first time in four renewals.
Captain Alison Nicholas said: “The players showed such heart and passion, I hand it all to them.
“They were so up for it and believed in themselves, the rookies were fantastic and the experienced players have done well as well.”
Nicholas reserved special praise for Pettersen and Hedwall, saying of the former: “She’s a champion, and that’s what champions are made of.”
On Hedwall, she added: “What a great rookie performance, she’s a star of the future – watch out for her.”
Hedwall added: “It’s a great win, it’s nice to win it on home soil. It’s been a great atmosphere all week.”