Early Foursomes Action
Day two of the Solheim Cup saw intense foursomes matches unfold, with Europe and the USA vying for crucial points. The teams were level after the first day’s play, setting the stage for a competitive Saturday morning. Europe requires 14½ points to regain the trophy, while the USA needs 14 points to retain it.
The morning began with the pairing of Maja Stark and Linn Grant against Allisen Corpuz and Nelly Korda. This match was closely contested, with Stark and Grant holding a 1UP lead after six holes. Corpuz and Korda, known for their strong partnership, had an all-time five-and-zero record in foursomes coming into this day.
In another key match, Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit faced Jen Kupcho and Rose Zhang. Kupcho and Zhang established an early 1UP lead after five holes. Rose Zhang demonstrated her skill with a lengthy birdie try on the short par-three fourth, bringing her team closer to the hole.
The pairing of Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud, who were the only Europeans to win a match on Friday afternoon, took on Andrea Lee and Auston Kim. Rhodes and Nadaud quickly gained a significant advantage, leading 2 UP after four holes. Nadaud’s strong drive and Rhodes’ precise wedge play contributed to their early success, including a long birdie putt on the first hole.
Charley Hull and Lottie Woad were paired against Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin. This match was all square after three holes. Hull and Woad showed glimpses of their potential, with Hull making a crucial putt on the second hole after Woad’s eagle attempt came up short. Coughlin and Alison Lee were foursomes winners on day one.
Momentum Shifts and Key Putts
The early play saw Europe making a strong start, winning the opening hole in all three of the initial matches. Nastasia Nadaud rolled in a fine birdie putt from distance on the first hole, contributing to Europe’s early domination.
However, the USA also showed resilience. On the fifth green, Jen Kupcho had a chance to win a third consecutive hole with a 10-foot putt, but she pulled it, resulting in a halved hole. Rose Zhang made a 20-footer to win the third hole for her team, demonstrating her putting ability.
Nelly Korda encountered a challenge on the fourth hole, finding the heather off the tee. Her partner, Allisen Corpuz, had to hack the ball out, leading to a bogey for the USA. This allowed Europe to take the hole with a par, shifting the advantage.
In the match featuring Maguire and Henseleit against Kupcho and Zhang, Esther Henseleit’s par attempt was pulled, opening the door for Jen Kupcho to turn the match around. Kupcho capitalized on the opportunity, securing the hole.
Close Contests and Halved Holes
Many holes were halved, indicating the tight competition. On the third green, Alison Lee’s birdie putt attempt went wide, leaving an opportunity for Charley Hull to put Europe in front. However, Hull pushed her putt slightly right, resulting in a halved hole in fours.
Maja Stark executed a great bunker shot on the sixth, but the Americans had a chance to level the match after a good approach by Nelly Korda. Allisen Corpuz was unable to sink the putt, allowing Linn Grant to tap in for a half and a sand save.
Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud had an opportunity to go three up on the third hole, but Nadaud missed a short birdie putt. This meant Europe did not lose the hole but missed a chance to extend their lead, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on every opportunity in foursomes.
The first match saw Allisen Corpuz sink a 10-footer on the third hole to level the contest. The anchor match, featuring Charley Hull and Alison Lee, began with both players finding the fairway, setting the tone for their game. The teams were scheduled to tee off for the Saturday foursomes at 6:40 am (BST), with the final pairing starting at 7:16 am.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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