Team USA wins Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017 with victory over Europe

In a thrilling conclusion, Team USA reclaimed the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017 with a 15½-12½ victory over Europe at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The decisive moment came courtesy of Lilia Vu, who, trailing by two with just two holes remaining, executed a spectacular approach shot on the 18th hole, placing the ball just feet from the pin before sinking a crucial birdie putt to secure the clinching half-point. Europe’s Albane Valenzuela had a chance to extend the match but missed a 30-foot birdie putt, paving the way for Vu’s heroics.

Vu was visibly emotional after the match, reflecting on her performance. “I can’t even put it into words,” she said. “I felt like I didn’t do my part this week and I wanted to get something done. I said to my caddie on 16, I felt like I haven’t done anything for this team, and then 16 comes, and I’m in the back bunker. I thought, ‘Oh no, I have to make up-and-down,’ and she’s been making one-putts on almost every single green, so I thought she was going to birdie that hole too. She didn’t, and then I ended up making up-and-down from the bunker and somehow birdied 17 and got it done on 18 to get the half-point.”

The weekend saw Team USA dominating the course in their bid to reclaim the Solheim Cup. After a strong start, the US team ended the first day with a commanding 6-2 lead—a record-breaking advantage. World No. 1 Nelly Korda spearheaded the American charge, winning both her matches and underscoring the team’s dominance.

Europe tried to mount a comeback on the second day, but Team USA maintained their edge, ending the day with a 10-6 lead. With Europe needing a significant turnaround on the final day, they faced an uphill battle reminiscent of the 2012 Ryder Cup’s “Miracle at Medinah,” where Europe overcame a four-point deficit to secure a historic 14½-13½ victory.

Britain’s Charley Hull provided a glimmer of hope for Europe with a standout performance, defeating Korda in the first singles match and initiating a potential comeback. However, despite her effort, the European rally fell short. Team USA’s Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, and Allisen Corpuz won their matches on the final day, while Andrea Lee, Lauren Coughlin, and Vu contributed crucial half-points to ensure the overall victory.

With this triumph, Team USA not only reclaimed the Solheim Cup but also reinforced their status in the women’s golf world. The victory marked a significant return to form after Europe’s successes in 2019, 2021, and the 2023 draw. The win demonstrated the strength and resilience of the American team, particularly under the high-pressure environment of the Solheim Cup.