Europe dramatically retain Solheim Cup with 14-14 tie after Ciganda’s crucial putt

The good news is that there will be another Solheim Cup in twelve months. If the events at Marco Simone in Rome, which will feature male players from Europe and the United States from Friday, complement this, golf fans should prepare for a Ryder Cup for the ages. This Solheim Cup was not a one-off either; time and time again it produces fascinating matches, decided by fantastic golf and the smallest margins. Women’s golf is in great form.

Suzann Pettersen’s European team consists of history makers. For the first time they have won the Solheim Cup three times in a row. The trophy was retained in Spain, with a score of 14-14. Carlota Ciganda, the home hero, was fittingly the one to drill the crucial putt. This was the first time that the Solheim Cup was played on Spanish soil. “I love Europe, I love Spain, I love the Solheim Cup,” declared an emotional Ciganda. The feeling turned out to be mutual.

The context of this result makes it special for Europe. Pettersen was looking for answers after the US swept away their hosts in Friday’s opening session. A 4-0 lead seemed unassailable for Stacy Lewis and her team. It’s difficult to determine how much Lewis did wrong after that; so many matches were wonderfully tight. Still, for Lewis, the glory of that Friday celebration must last an eternity. She gathered her team into a huddle while the European contingent celebrated.

“I just told them, ‘We didn’t lose,’” Lewis said. “It was a draw and there was so much to build on this week. I told them how proud I was of them and to hold their heads up. They did everything I asked of them this week and more. They had a great attitude, they were classy opponents and they represented this country so well.”

During Sunday’s singles, the tournament was less of an ebb and flow and more of a blast and a bang. At twenty past three in the afternoon, Europe had firm control over the proceedings. Within an hour, the US had turned the tables. When Georgia Hall, Gemma Dryburgh and Céline Boutier conceded leads to Andrea Lee, Cheyenne Knight and Angel Yin respectively, Europe faltered. Hall cut a devastated figure after three-putting from 10 feet at the 17th on her way to halving her match.

Help was soon at hand. Pettersen’s selection of Caroline Hedwall was considered controversial, with the Swede ranked 121st in the world. How Hedwall repaid her captain’s faith. She was one behind Ally Ewing after 15, but won the next three holes for a 2-up victory. “I know it’s never over until it’s over and that’s the fight I fought today,” Hedwall said. “I’m just really proud of myself right now.” With good reason.

Leona Maguire wears dark sunglasses by default. In the Solheim Cup she might as well put on a cape. Maguire, who played for Europe in all five sessions, gave Pettersen a boost with 4 and 3 dismissal of Rose Zhang. The 20-year-old Zhang is considered one of the most exciting players in golf; she proved no match for Maguire. When the pair shook hands on the 15th green, Europe led 9-8 for the first time in this Solheim Cup stage.

The US responded in kind. Megan Khang defeated Linn Grant 1up. Danielle Kang achieved a 4&2 success over Charley Hull, whose Solheim Cup experience was partly soured by injury. Anna Nordqvist eased some European nerves by beating Jennifer Kupcho 2&1. Blink and you’ll have missed the shifts in momentum.

It became increasingly clear that the most important matches would be numbers 10 and 11. With them, the Europeans wanted to ensure that Lexi Thompson’s anchor clash with Emily Pedersen – the American was in the lead from the early stages – was irrelevant. While Maja Stark kept Allisen Corpuz, 2&1, at bay, all eyes were on Ciganda. A point from her meeting with Nelly Korda would take Europe to the promised land of 14 points.

Ciganda led by three after eight, but the deficit was reduced to one by the eleventh tee. Korda settled the match after Ciganda slid to a double bogey six on the 15th. The hour comes, Ciganda comes. She delivered a glorious approach shot to set up a three on the 16th, restoring Europe’s lead. Even better was getting to the penultimate hole, where Ciganda hit her tee shot on the par three to tap into range. The two of Ciganda defeated the three of Korda and Europe could start their party. Thompson beat Pedersen, 2up, to ensure Europe didn’t win the cup outright, but no one in blue had any reason to worry.

The 19th edition of this competition, in September next year in Virginia, cannot come soon enough. Pettersen and Lewis will again be the captains. They have set the bar fantastically high.