Korda, Zhang Maintain Perfection as U.S. Leads into Sunday Singles

The second day of the 2024 Solheim Cup showcased an energized European team as they attempted to close the gap on their American counterparts. Despite their early momentum, the home team managed to fend off the challenge and maintain its lead. As play concluded at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, the United States held a firm 10 to 6 advantage, setting the stage for the Sunday singles matches.

The U.S. team, spearheaded by world No. 1 Nelly Korda and impressive debutants Rose Zhang and Lauren Coughlin, all boasting flawless 3-0-0 records, is just 4.5 points away from claiming the 19th Solheim Cup title, their first since 2017. While the Americans are in a strong position, they are keenly aware of the potential for a comeback, recalling their own exceptional rally from a similar deficit in Germany in 2015.

“Tomorrow is the singles. They will play well,” noted European vice captain Laura Davies. “The Americans have played unbelievable. I don’t know how many eagles they’ve had. It seems like they’ve had double figures. They’ve just played great golf. Out-putted us at the moment. A deep squad of players. We’ll never say never, but it’s going to be very, very difficult to get the Cup back.”

The morning foursomes featured a strong performance from both teams. With Europe gaining early leads in three of the matches, they hoped to sweep through and cover the deficit entirely. However, the U.S. and Europe ultimately split the four matches, stalling the European surge.

Korda and Alisen Corpuz flipped a challenging situation around, coming from 2 DOWN at the turn to clinch a crucial 1 UP victory on the 18th. Their eagle on the par-5 14th, set up by an excellent approach from Corpuz, marked a pivotal moment in the match. This partnership has now achieved an impressive 4-0-0 record in their last two Solheim Cups.

The final matches of the morning concluded swiftly. Lexi Thompson and Lauren Coughlin dominated their match, wrapping up with a commanding performance that earned Coughlin a perfect record in her Solheim Cup debut. Meanwhile, Anna Nordqvist and Celine Boutier delivered a decisive blow against Lilia Vu and Sarah Schmelzel, leading by six points at the turn.

The pivotal moment arose in the second match, showcasing the enduring spirit of the European team. After going 3 UP through the eighth hole, their position began slipping as Ally Ewing made birdies on Nos. 15-16. Although the match took a tense turn when Hull’s long approach on the next hole erased their lead, the Europeans regained control, securing a full point with a birdie on the final hole.

“Even when you think you’re out of it,” Hull reflected, “Just carry on grinding because it’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

In the afternoon’s four-ball matches, the U.S. maintained their lead. Anna Norqvist and Madelene Sagstrom put together a solid performance, winning 4 & 3 against Alison Lee and Megan Khang. Linn Grant and Celine Boutier also triumphed, overcoming Andrea Lee and Rose Zhang 6 & 4.

With Korda and Coughlin resting, Lee ignited her team’s spirits with an eagle on the second hole, and Khang followed up with birdies to push them to a commanding lead early on. “It was completely surreal, definitely one of the coolest moments of my life and career,” Lee expressed, highlighting the communal spirit of the moment alongside her friend and caddies.

Zhang and Lee have shown remarkable synergy, wrapping their matches up early with an outstanding performance. Despite strong starts in the first two matches, the final pairings showed promise for Europe as Ciganda and Pedersen rallied back from an early deficit and Hull, once again, secured a point with her remarkable play, finishing 8 under for her match.

As the competition intensifies, the stakes are high heading into the final day. The American team looks to secure their lead, while the Europeans aim to conjure a comeback reminiscent of their past victories.