Suzann Pettersen is handed the Solheim Cup and hoists it powerfully towards the Spanish sun. Then she passes it to her team, who all have a go at lifting it. Every single one of them deserves the moment. Heroes every one, though special mention must go to Caroline Hedwall for that never-say-die comeback against Ally Ewing; Emily Pedersen for becoming only the second player in Solheim Cup history (after her captain) to make a hole in one; Leona Maguire for yet another relentless contribution; Carlota Ciganda for all the aforementioned reasons; and of course … altogether now … ♫ Maja Stark, doo doo doo doo doo doooo, doo doo doo doo doo doooo, doo doo doo doo doo doooo, MA-JA STARK! ♪♫
What a team! What an event. Roll on Virginia 2024!
Grant v Khang 1UP
4&3 Maguire v Zhang
Hull v Kang 4&2
2&1 Nordqvist v Kupcho
Hall A/S Lee
Dryburgh A/S Knight
Boutier v Yin 2&1
2UP Hedwall v Ewing
Sagstrom v Vu 4&3
2&1 Stark v Corpuz
2&1 Ciganda v Korda
Pedersen v Thompson 2&1
Europe 14-14 USA
Carlota Ciganda is understandably the focus of the celebrations. She’s the home hero, she won all four of her matches this week, and she struck the decisive blow to ensure the retention of the cup. She speaks to Sky. “An amazing week … I love my team-mates, I love Europe, I love Suzann and the vice-captains … it’s a team effort … it was special for me to play in Spain in front of my home crowd, but this is a team effort and I am just so proud of everyone!” It’s also lovely to see Georgia Hall, who had looked a little upset earlier, perhaps contemplating her missed putt on 17 as the USA threatened to win the trophy, smiling broadly and enjoying the moment. The team announce they’re going off to drink, dance and eat pizza. They deserve to have a whale of a time; they’ve certainly provided us with one. They’ve served up wonderful entertainment.
