The Solheim Cup delivered an epic 4-4 tie right from the start – and Europe showed the presumed favorites from the USA what they're made of! After the first day of this prestigious women's Ryder Cup equivalent, the score is all square, and our Esther Henseleit (27) played a significant part in Team Europe's strong opening. The 2024 Olympic silver medalist triumphed on Friday morning alongside tough Irishwoman Leona Maguire, as they swept Americans Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan off the green. What an opener: For the very first time in the long history of this competition, both morning and afternoon sessions ended in a tie. That's pure drama!
Henseleit, who is in incredibly strong form as world No. 21, is making her second Solheim Cup appearance and is expected to lead as one of the absolute key players. Understandably so, given her current form: At the British Open in early August – things were truly intense! Esther had her first Major triumph within her grasp, but ultimately lacked that last bit of luck in the playoff. Still, it was a statement! Now she's back in full swing at the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf Club in North Brabant, Netherlands. The spectacle runs until Sunday and promises plenty more thrills for everyone following live on Sky.
Full-Throttle Foursomes: Europe Draws Level
The morning kicked off with intense Foursomes, where two players alternately hit the same ball into the hole – teamwork at its finest, but also pure pressure! Initially, things went smoothly for the US girls. Superstar Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz secured a win against British powerhouses Charley Hull and Lottie Woad. Shortly after, Lauren Coughlin and Alison Lee followed up, defeating Nanna Madsen (Denmark) and Celine Boutier (France). It was 2-0 for the Americans – looking like a lightning start! But then the Europeans' moment arrived: Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire secured a crucial point with their triumph. And when the Swedish armada, Maja Stark and Linn Grant, put their opponents Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho in their place, the score was suddenly 2-2. What a comeback, what a mentality!
Thrilling Fourballs: The 4-4 Scoreline
For the afternoon Fourballs – where each player plays her own ball, and the better score counts – Captain Anna Nordqvist pulled new pairings out of the hat. Strategically astute, she granted, among others, our Esther Henseleit a well-deserved break. And the plan seemed to be working! Europe initially headed for a scoring spree, leading in three of four matches. But golf is golf, and the tide can turn quickly. In the end, it was only enough for one more victory for the Europeans: Mimi Rhodes (Great Britain) and Nastasia Nadaud (France) prevailed in their match against
