Europe retain Solheim Cup with second win on US soil

By Sports Desk September 06, 2021

Europe retained the Solheim Cup and secured just their second win in the United States on Monday, prevailing 15-13.

The visiting team held a 9-7 lead heading into the final day's action and protected that advantage to see out a stunning success.

Team Europe were comfortable in the end, although victory was sealed in rather untidy fashion in Ohio.

With the score at 14-11, Danielle Kang's poor putting left Emily Pedersen three up with three to play, guaranteed at least half a point, which would be enough for the win.

Matilda Castren had already ensured the holders would take the trophy home again, though, sinking the decisive putt to finish 1 up over Lizette Salas and clinch at least a draw.

Salas has twice finished second at majors this season, while Castren only made her LPGA Tour bow last year, yet it was the European star who held her nerve.

"It feels amazing. I can't believe I made that putt," Castren told Sky Sports. "It's such an amazing feeling and I'm so proud to be part of this team."

Suzann Pettersen had holed the winning putt two years earlier at Gleneagles, and she was a source of inspiration for Castren.

"We have Suzann's photo in the locker room, and there's a part of me that thought I wouldn't be able to do it," she said. "The pressure made me focus a bit more."

First-time Team USA captain Pat Hurst told NBC Sports: "It is what it is. We played hard and with heart. That's all we were asking for.

"Both sides are awesome players. The level of women's golf is unbelievable now, and it's just getting better."

Pedersen held on to beat Kang, while there were also European wins for Madelene Sagstrom, Leona Maguire and Celine Boutier. Maguire finished with a sensational 4.5 points as the only unbeaten player.

World number one Nelly Korda at least went down fighting, ending 1 up over Georgia Hall.

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