Matilda Castren’s 10-foot putt for par on the 18th green sealed Team Europe’s 15-13 victory over Team USA at the Solheim Cup on Monday.
The Europeans never trailed during the three-day tournament at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, winning on American soil for just the second time in the history of the event. Team Europe has now won four of the last six biennial tournaments.
“Hands down, I think this is the best team Europe has ever had,” said Anna Nordqvist, who was competing in her seventh Solheim Cup.
🗣 "Ole, Ole, Ole!"@SolheimCupEuro celebrates their #SolheimCup victory in Toledo 🇪🇺🏆 pic.twitter.com/JPBa867tEV
— LPGA (@LPGA) September 6, 2021
Rookie Leona Maguire, the first Irishwoman to make a Solheim Cup team, led the way for Team Europe. The 26-year-old went 4-0-1 over the weekend as the only golfer to participate in all five events.
“Hopefully the whole world now sees how good she is,” said Mel Reid, Maguire’s partner for three sessions.
After Team Europe earned three of the first four points in singles on the final day of competition Monday, the Americans attempted to stage a comeback. Nelly Korda came from behind to claim a 1-up win over Georgia Hull while sister Jessica Korda defeated Charley Hull 3-and-1.
In the end, their efforts weren’t enough to earn the 7 1/2 points needed for Team USA to complete the rally. Before the weekend, the U.S. was 8-1 at home in Solheim Cup history.