A historic 4-4 tie after day one leaves the Solheim Cup on a knife's edge, as for the very first time in the history of this thrilling contest, both sessions ended in a draw. What an opener! The first day of this golf thriller culminated in a decisive putt: Europe's Carlota Ciganda holed a long putt on the 18th green in glorious evening sunshine, securing Europe half a point – and the tie.
Foursomes Alert! Korda & Co. Take the Lead
In the morning Foursomes, Korda immediately took command for Team USA. Partnering with Corpuz, she dismantled the top European duo of Hull and Woad. Despite falling behind on the first hole, the US ladies showed their mettle, claiming a 4&3 victory – the fifth consecutive Solheim Cup win for this pair, incredible! The second US pairing, Lee and Coughlin, gave Madsen and Boutier no chance, playing their way to a dominant 3&2 triumph.
But Europe wouldn't be shaken off and fought back! Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire showed nerves of steel, defeating Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 1-up. It was the only match that went to the 18th green – pure drama until the very end. The Foursomes concluded with a 2-2 tie.
Fourballs Spectacle! Eagles, Flags, and a Nail-Biting Finish
The afternoon Fourballs started perfectly for Europe. Charley Hull and 22-year-old Solheim Cup debutant Lottie Woad crafted five birdies in the first six holes, building a 3-hole lead. However, US opponents Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin fought their way back – also thanks to an uncharacteristically shaky putt from England's star Hull.
But Lottie Woad, cool as a veteran, pulled off a sensational eagle on the par-5 tenth, propelling Europe back to 2-up. Highlight of the day? Noh's tee shot on the par-3 fifteenth! The ball crashed directly into the flagstick – narrowly missing a hole-in-one. On the decisive 18th green, Woad missed a birdie putt by mere millimeters, giving Noh a chance to win the match for the USA. But her putt also fell short. A thrilling draw was the fair result.
In the second match, Megan Khang and Alison Lee made quick work of Celine Boutier and Nanna Koerstz Madsen, securing a 5&3 victory. This extends Khang's unbeaten Solheim Cup streak to nine matches – the second-longest of all time, truly impressive!
Europe's rookie duo Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud also showed no nerves on their debut. They fended off a late attack from Allisen Corpuz and Auston Kim, triumphing 2&1.
The final Fourball match: Korda and her partner Lauren Coughlin against Ciganda and former amateur world number one Julia Lopez Ramirez. Fitting for a day where nothing could separate the teams, both were All Square on the 18th hole. Although the Europeans found themselves in bunkers or rough, while the US
