Solheim Cup Review - Europe Dominant in Colorado
By: Nick Bonfield | Edited: Mon 14 Jul 2014
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The European Solheim Cup team stunned the home crowd as they ran out 18-10 victors in a memorable contest at Colorado Golf Club.
The Americans were 1/3 favourites before the start of the tournament, and justifiably so on paper. The Europeans had six rookies in their ranks, a higher combined world ranking and the knowledge that they’d never won the Solheim Cup in America.
Still, records are made to be broken, and the Europeans set out with a steely determination and unabridged focus to prove their doubters wrong.
They led 5-3 at the end of the first day’s play, with America closing the gap to just one heading into the Saturday afternoon fourballs. What followed, though, was one of the most momentous and remarkable sessions in the history of matchplay golf.
Only two of Europe’s eight players had won in America, while their opponents had notched 36 LPGA tournament wins between them.
Still, anything can happen in matchplay golf, and Europe dismantled the Americans to claim a first ever Solheim Cup whitewash and head into the singles needing just 3.5 points to retain the trophy.
Anna Nordqist and Charley Hull swiftly crushed any lingering American optimism, with Europe winning the singles 7.5-4.5 to complete a comprehensive and entirely unexpected 18-10 rout.
Talking points:
Sensational display
On paper, everything was against the Europeans. They had never won on American soil, nor won back-to-back Solheim Cups, and the cumulative score from the six previous events in America stood at 87.5-60.5. What’s more, team Europe entered the cup with six rookies and 21 combined LPGA victories, as opposed to team USA’s 50. Still, none of that mattered once the action got underway. Europe – led by a shrewd and pragmatic Lottie Neumann – showed tremendous desire and incredible skill under the most ardent pressure. It was a genuine golfing masterclass and a real joy to watch, and undoubtedly helped extol the skill and excitement of the women’s game.
Stand-out performers
All members of team Europe are worthy of the highest praise, but the achievements of two players were beyond sensational. Charley Hull, 17, became the youngest player in Solheim Cup history when she teed off on Friday, and the way she conducted herself was nothing short of staggering. Despite enormous media scrutiny, she played fabulous golf on Saturday and demolished American stalwart Paula Creamer in the Sunday singles. It was a magnificent effort from the teenager – both in terms of golfing skill and mental strength – and she looks like a genuine world number one in the making. Caroline Hedwall – who hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons – also deserves huge credit for winning all five of her matches – the first time that’s ever happened in the Solheim Cup.
Image Credit: Facebook Solheim Cup Team Europe - www.facebook.com/SolheimCupTeamEurope
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