Just at Solheim Cup, Europe takes a lead early and over U.s.
There at 2021, Solheim Cup, defending champion Europe has moved ahead.
(AP) TOLEDO, Ohio — Europe grabbed an early lead inside the 2021, Solheim Cup, winning three of a first 4 alternate-shot matches on Saturday morning to build a 3 1/2-1/2 lead so over United States.
Anna Nordqvist & Matilda Castren, Mel Reid & Leona Maguire, & Charley Hull & Emily Pedersen also won one game. In a format that the Europeans have dominated in the biannual tournament, Celine Boutier & Georgia Hall rallied just on 18th hole for claim some other half point.
In the afternoon, there will be four four-ball matches.
Inverness’ morning matches were close throughout, with no team ahead by more than two holes at any time.
Foursomes have long been a stronghold in Europe. The Americans last won the morning session alternate-shot format on the opening day of the tournament in 2009.
Due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Europeans found themselves with little sympathisers among an overwhelmingly pro-US population.
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Reid and Maguire,
who is competing in her first Solheim Cup, held their own against world No. 1 Nelly Korda and her elder sister Jessica. When the Kordas botched the par-4 fourth, the Europeans grabbed the lead.
They increased their lead to two when the Americans made a double bogey on the par-4 sixth, and Maguire calmly rolled in a 3-foot par putt on the 18th to seal the deal.
The defeat was Nelly Korda’s first in foursomes, and Jessica’s second in five foursome matches.
Even having former Masters winner Bubba Watson walking alongside their group while acting as a voluntary assistance for US captain Pat Hurst, the Americans scored three birdies throughout the round, two of which were equaled by the Europeans.
Ally Ewing and Megan Khang of the United States were 2-up with three minutes to play, but let it slip away when Ewing missed a game-winning 3-footer on 18, forcing the Americans to settle for a half-point.
With four holes to play, Brittany Altomare and Lexi Thompson were 2-up, only to lose when Altomare’s tee ball on the 18th fell into a bunker, allowing Pedersen and Hull to sneak through.
In the 31-year history of the Solheim Cup, Europe is looking for just its second win on American territory.
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