CASARES, Spain — With a big finish by home-crowd favorite Carlota Ciganda, Europe retained the Solheim Cup after securing a first-ever tie with the United States on Sunday.
The U.S. needed a win to get the trophy back after two consecutive losses against the Europeans in the top team event in women’s golf. Europe has never won three in a row against the Americans.
The teams split the decisive singles match to finish tied 14-14 with Europe doing just enough to keep the trophy.
Ciganda, the only Spaniard in the European team, came up with two superb approach shots on the closing holes and made the short putts for consecutive birdies that secured the clinching 14th point for Europe.
She beat Nelly Korda 2 and 1 for her fourth straight victory after sitting out the opening session on Friday morning. She was the only player to win four matches this week.
Ciganda’s teammates raised her on their shoulders, and the celebration continued with champagne being splashed around by the Europeans.
“It was a team effort and I’m so proud of everyone,” Ciganda said. “I love the Solheim Cup and I love being in Spain. The cup stays where it belongs.”
European captain Suzann Pettersen, who four years ago made the winning putt to win the Solheim Cup as a player, raised the trophy in front of her squad. Ciganda then raised the cup high in front of the chanting fans at Finca Cortesin in southern Spain.
“I think it was meant to be,” Pettersen said. “This is all Carlota, let her have it.”
The teams entered the final day tied 8-8 after the U.S. got off to its best start ever with a 4-0 win in the foursome matches on Friday morning, but saw Europe slowly rally during the weekend.
The Europeans arrived touted as the favorites after bringing an experienced squad to Spain, but the U.S. kept it close with a talented group of youngsters who had won big tournaments recently.
Each team won five matches on the final day, with two ties.
Spain was hosting the Solheim Cup for the first time, 26 years after it hosted the men’s Ryder Cup at Valderrama. This year’s Ryder Cup is taking place in Rome next week. It is the first time both events are held in back-to-back weeks.
Europe had won consecutive Solheim Cups at Gleneagles, Scotland, in 2019, and Toledo, Ohio, in 2021.
The Solheim Cup will be played again in 2024 so both events are contested in opposite years. Next year’s Solheim Cup will be hosted by the U.S. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf