USA fight back to tie Solheim Cup heading in to singles

The United States battled through difficult conditions to win the afternoon fourballs session and tie the Solheim Cup match against Europe heading in to Sunday’s singles

After tying the morning foursomes with two points apiece, the United States won the afternoon fourball session 2.5 to 1.5 to tie Europe after 16 matches of the 2019 Solheim Cup.

Both teams had to fight what Georgia Hall described at one point as a ‘four-club wind’ throughout the day at Gleneagles, which included a record-tying victory from the Korda sisters, and a fightback from the Europeans after finding themselves down in all four of the afternoon matches.

And while slow play once again dominated discussion, the play was impressive in difficult conditions and left the match tied on eight points each, marking the first time there has been a tie heading in to the Sunday singles since 2011.

Earlier in the day, Jessica and Nelly Korda once again proved to be a perfect foursomes pairing as they took down Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law 6&5, tying the record for the biggest every foursomes victory in a Solheim Cup (achieved on four other occasions). But while many expected them to play again in the afternoon, Julie Inkster stayed true to her word about not playing anyone five times however, meaning it was their turn to sit out of the fourballs.

Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz followed with Europe’s first point of the morning as they combined well for the third time to win their match 4&3 against Danielle Kang and Megan Khang, but Europe’s lead only lasted a couple of minutes before Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex completed an impressive 2&1 comeback victory over Anna Nordqvist and Anne van Dam, having been four down after six holes.

Europe’s final point of the morning came from Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier, winning their second foursomes victory of the Solheim Cup with a 3&2 win over Lizette Salas and Ally McDonald to give the home side a one point advantage heading in to the afternoon.

Anne van Dam partnered Suzann Pettersen for a second time in the fourballs but the rookie partnership of Brittany Altomare and Annie Park never let them get ahead – even when Pettersen made five birdies in six holes – and ultimately won their match 1UP on the 18th.

Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff had a tough battle with Lexi Thompson and her third partner of the event Marina Alex, but the German player’s winning putt lipped out at the last to leave the match all-square after 18 holes.

Hall and Boutier became the most successful pairing of this year’s Solheim Cup as they ensured victory in all three of their matches, fighting back from four down after seven to defeat Friday’s power pairing of Angel Yin and Ally McDonald. They remained three down after 13 but Boutier rolled a lengthy eagle putt on 14 and another for birdie on 15 as they won their final five holes in a row to win the match 2UP. 

The final match of the day was the only one not to make it to the final hole, and Danielle Kang’s birdie on the 17th ensured a 2&1 win with Lizette Salas over Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz.

It’s now all to play for in the 12 singles matches on Sunday, as the USA strive to win their third Solheim Cup in a row. 

Saturday Afternoon Fourballs: Results

• Suzann Pettersen & Anne van Dam were beaten by Brittany Altomare & Annie Park 1UP

• Jodi Ewart Shadoff & Caroline Masson halved their match with Lexi Thompson & Marina Alex

• Georgia Hall & Celine Boutier def. Ally McDonald & Angel Yin 2UP

• Carlota Ciganda & Azahara Munoz were beaten by Lizette Salas & Danielle Kang 2&1

Saturday Morning Foursomes: Results 

• Anna Nordqvist & Anne van Dam were beaten by Morgan Pressel & Marina Alex 2&1

• Georgia Hall & Celine Boutier def. Lizette Salas & Ally McDonald 3&2

• Charley Hull & Azahara Munoz def. Danielle Kang & Megan Khang 4&3

• Carlota Ciganda & Bronte Law were beaten by Jessica Korda & Nelly Korda 6&5