I’m still buzzing after the Solheim Cup, what an epic match. Just when we thought that the Solheim Cup couldn’t possibly get any more exciting than the last two editions in Ohio in 2021 and Gleneagles in 2019, it delivered again with many history-making moments.
There are too many highlights to mention, but Denmark's Emily Pedersen’s hole-in-one was very impressive, only the second one in Solheim Cup history. On a personal note, I was so lucky to be on the tee in Colorado in 2017 when Sweden's Anna Nordqvist aced the 17th hole to win her fourball match. As you can imagine, the atmosphere on that tee was incredible and a moment I will never forget.
I don’t know about you, but I look at these players in wonderment, the way they hit such amazing shots under immense pressure. I know it’s their day job, but even so, they not only have incredible golf skills, but an extremely strong mindset. The shots that Spain’s Carlota Ciganda played in her singles match to birdie 16 and 17, and ultimately sink the putt to retain the trophy, were brilliant. She completely embraced playing in front of her home crowd, something that would make me even more nervous. I don’t think I’d get the ball off the tee, let alone putt a two-footer to win a match!
Similarly, Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall, who was 2 down with 5 to play in her singles match, showed sheer grit and determination to make a comeback and win a point at a crucial stage in the match against Ally Ewing. Caroline definitely had the added pressure of wanting to prove herself as a Captain’s pick, which had been questioned due to her 121st world ranking.
Let’s not forget the chip in on 18 by Ireland’s Leona Maguire in the afternoon fourballs on Friday that won the match for her and England's Georgia Hall after it looked like a dead cert that Lexi Thompson and Lilia Vu were going to claim a red point. This was just another dramatic momentum change that we saw consistently over three days, and this is the joy of match play that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
It’s such a shame that Europe couldn’t secure another half point to win the cup, and this has now raised the question, “Should there be a playoff?” to determine a winning team. Yes, it does seem odd to see all those celebrations on the 17th green, even though Europe hadn’t actually won the Cup, and a playoff would be fantastic TV viewing, but let’s not change this rule because it's what we’ve come to know as a tradition of the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup.
I thought the European and US players looked great in their different team outfits for each day, but if you caught the opening ceremony, I can’t say the same about the floaty yellow dresses that Team Europe wore. Of course, it’s difficult to find an outfit that will suit everyone, but I’d love to know what the players really thought about the style and colour of the dress, some of them definitely looked a little uncomfortable as they walked onto the stage!
So, are you ready for another weekend of golf drama? I certainly am, bring on the Ryder Cup!