Introduction
With a 4-0 deficit after the first session on Friday, Europe needed to split the singles matches on the final day at Finca Cortesin in Spain to square the match and save the team trophy. In the decisive match, American Lexi Thompson defeated European Emily Pedersen 14-14 to put an exciting battle to an end. Both the fact that the games were drawn and the fact that Europe had successfully retained the Cup three times in a row were firsts.
Leona Maguire defeated Rose Zhang with a score of 4 and 3, earning the game’s first point. The Irish lady, a rookie star of Europe’s victory in Ohio two years prior. Contributed to the victory by holing a 35-foot eagle at the par-4 14th hole.
About Match
With three holes remaining and a tie. Ciganda of Europe made holes from four feet at the 16th and two feet at the short 17th. In response to King Felipe VI of Spain’s congratulations. Ciganda said, “I’m so happy,” and she praised European captain Suzann Pettersen. Pettersen, who made history by sinking the go-ahead putt at Gleneagles in Scotland four years ago, sobbed with happiness. She explained, “It was intended for Carlota in Spain. I asked her whether going down 16 was what you would have wanted, and she responded that she was ready.
Caroline Hedwall, who defeated Ally Ewing by two holes after trailing by three holes, was another local standout. At the 17th hole, Hedwall sunk a 30 foot birdie putt to tie the match with two holes remaining. It was a remarkable comeback for the host team, which had lost the opening morning foursomes by a score of 4-0.
Europe’s Momentum
The top match provided the first point for the USA as Megan Khang defeated Linn Grant by one hole in a match of the highest calibre. In the challenging, windy conditions of Spain Europe, the American was six under par. I’m so proud,” declared Khang. I anticipated Linn would bring it and be a formidable foe. Danielle Kang gave America a 10-9 lead by defeating Charley Hull 4–2, but Europe’s most seasoned player, Anna Nordqvist, tied the game once more by defeating Jennifer Kupcho 2–1.
The situation appeared to be shifting in America’s advantage as the tension increased. Georgia Hall of Europe, who held a two-shot lead early in the back nine, three-putted the 17th hole from 12 feet, allowing Andrea Lee to tie the shot. At the same time, Cheyenne Knight and Gemma Dryburgh of Europe, who had been three up, were tied after missing a short putt for par on the 16th hole.
The Americans added two more points thanks to victories by Lilia Vu (4–3, over Madelene Sagstrom) and Angel Y). The momentum was changed by Hedwall and Ciganda. Thompson’s victory over Pedersen in the decisive match by scores of 2–1 could only tie the score at 14–14. The Cup was still in Europe.