Solheim Cup opening marred by logistical issues On Friday, some fans were unable to even make it to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia to watch any action. Countless fans expressed their disappointment, anger and sadness, all of which was directed at the LPGA, which acknowledged responsibility for the problems before play began early Friday morning.
But now, some 36 hours later, those same American fans should be smiling. The logistical nightmare has been resolved and the Americans hold a commanding 10-6 lead over the Europeans in Sunday's singles matches. The red, white and blue have dominated the first two days, with Nelly Korda and Rose Chan notably earning three points each. Solheim Cup newcomer Lauren Coughlin is also yet to lose, giving Team USA three points.
The competition wasn't over yet, however. Europe found itself behind 10-4 when Allison Lee and Megan Kang beat Anna Nordqvist and Madeleine Sagstrom, 4-3. But the blue and gold won Saturday's final point, when Carlota Ciganda and Emily Pedersen beat Lexi Thompson and Allie Ewing, 2-1. Then Charlie Hull and Georgia Hall beat Lilia Vu and Allie-Sen Copes on the 18th hole to give Europe momentum.
Interestingly, at the 2015 Solheim Cup held at Golf Club St. Leon-Roth in Germany, the USA faced a 10-6 deficit as the visiting team. However, Team USA stormed back on Sunday, winning eight games and drawing one to capture the Solheim Cup and cap off a historic comeback. The USA won by the narrowest margin of victory, 14.5-13.5, making it the closest match in Solheim Cup history.
Twice in the Ryder Cup, teams have overcome 10-6 deficits: in 1999, the Americans overcame a famous birdie putt by Justin Leonard on the 17th green at Brookline; and 13 years later, the “Miracle of Medinah” happened, when Europe stunned the Americans with a ferocious comeback on Sunday in suburban Chicago.
Only the United States has ever staged a similar rally when it comes to the Solheim Cup, so now it may be Europe's turn to return the favor, which would make it four straight wins at the Solheim Cup for a European team.
Still, here are the Sunday singles matches that won't disappoint: Coverage on Golf Channel begins at 8:45 a.m. ET. NBC will begin coverage at noon ET.
Sunday Singles Matches, Tea Times (ET):
Match 1: 8:50 a.m. — Charlie Hull (Europe) vs. Nelly Korda (USA)
Match 2: 9:00 AM — Emily Pedersen (Europe) vs. Megan Kang (USA)
Match 3: 9:10 a.m. — Georgia Hall (Europe) vs. Allison Lee (USA)
Match 4: 9:20 a.m. — Anna Nordqvist (Europe) vs. Arisen Korpus (USA)
Match 5: 9:30 AM — Carlota Ciganda (Europe) vs. Rose Zhang (USA)
Match 6: 9:40 AM — Esther Henseleit (Europe) vs. Andrea Lee (USA)
Match 7: 9:50 a.m. — Celine Boutier (Europe) vs. Lexi Thompson (USA)
Match 8: 10:00 AM — Maya Stark (Europe) vs. Lauren Coughlin (USA)
Match 9: 10:10 a.m. — Albane Valenzuela (Europe) vs. Lilia Vu (USA)
Match 10: 10:20 a.m. — Madelene Sagstrom (Europe) vs. Sarah Schmelzel (USA)
Match 11: 10:30 AM — Leona Maguire (Europe) vs. Allie Ewing (USA)
Match 12: 10:40 a.m. — Lynn Grant (Europe) vs. Jennifer Kupcho (USA)
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
