Logistical issues marred the beginning of the Solheim Cup on Friday, as some fans could not even make it to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia to see the action. That left countless fans to express disappointment, anger, and sadness, all of which were directed towards the LPGA, who claimed responsibility for the problems before the start of play early Friday.
But now, roughly 36 hours later, those same American fans should have a smile on their faces. The logistical nightmares have been resolved, and the Americans hold a commanding 10-to-6 lead over the Europeans going into Sunday Singles. The red, white, and blue have dominated over the first two days, namely Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang, who have won three points apiece. Solheim Cup rookie Lauren Coughlin has also won three points for Team USA, as she has yet to lose a match.
That said, this competition is far from over. The Europeans faced a 10-to-4 deficit after Alison Lee and Megan Khang closed out their match 4 and 3 over Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagström. But the blue and gold won the last points of the day on Saturday. Carlota Ciganda and Emily Pedersen defeated Lexi Thompson and Ally Ewing 2 and 1. Then, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall bested Lilia Vu and Allisen Corpuz on the 18th hole, thus giving Europe a sliver of momentum.
Interestingly, during the 2015 Solheim Cup at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot in Germany, the Americans faced a 10-to-6 deficit as the visiting team. But Team USA stormed back on Sunday, winning eight matches and tying another to claim the Solheim Cup and cap a historic rally. The Americans won by the narrowest of margins, 14.5-to-13.5, the closest in Solheim Cup history.
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Teams have also overcome 10-to-6 deficits in the Ryder Cup, which has happened twice. The Americans famously rallied back in 1999, thanks to Justin Leonard’s famous birdie putt on the 17th green at Brookline. Then, 13 years later, the “Miracle at Medinah” took place, with the Europeans storming back on Sunday to shock the Americans outside of Chicago.
As for the Solheim Cup, only the Americans have produced a similar rally. So maybe it’s the European’s turn to return the favor. It would mark Team Europe’s fourth straight Solheim Cup victory if they do.
Nevertheless, here are the matches for Sunday Singles, which never ceases to disappoint. Coverage on the Golf Channel begins at 8:45 a.m. ET. NBC takes over at Noon ET.
Sunday Singles Matches, Tee Times (ET):
Match 1: 8:50 a.m. — Charley Hull (Europe) vs. Nelly Korda (USA)
Match 2: 9:00 a.m. — Emily Pedersen (Europe) vs. Megan Khang (USA)
Match 3: 9:10 a.m. — Georgia Hall (Europe) vs. Alison Lee (USA)
Match 4: 9:20 a.m. — Anna Nordqvist (Europe) vs. Allisen Corpuz (USA)
Match 5: 9:30 a.m. — Carlota Ciganda (Europe) vs. Rose Zhang (USA)
Match 6: 9:40 a.m. — Esther Henseleit (Europe) vs. Andrea Lee (USA)
Match 7: 9:50 a.m. — Celine Boutier (Europe) vs. Lexi Thompson (USA)
Match 8: 10:00 a.m. — Maja 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 a.m. — Leona Maguire (Europe) vs. Ally Ewing (USA)
Match 12: 10:40 a.m. — Linn Grant (Europe) vs. Jennifer Kupcho (USA)
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
