Europe produced the most dominant victory in Solheim Cup history, routing the Americans 18-10 to retain the trophy and win the biennial event for the first time on US soil.
Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall went a perfect 5-0, sinking a four-foot putt to beat USA captain’s pick Michelle Wie 1 up and give the Europeans the 14 points they needed to make sure of keeping the trophy for another two years.
Hedwall is the first in Solheim history to go 5-0 and the only player on either team to play all five matches this week at the Colorado Golf Club.
“It’s just an unbelievable feeling and it’s so great. There are no words to be honest,” Hedwall said. “I was a little mentally tired, but at the same time I was pumped up. I just managed to pull it off.”
USA skipper Meg Mallon finished 5-3 in eight Solheim Cups as a player, but will take much of the blame for the embarrassing defeat.
“We really got our butts kicked,” said Mallon.
Europe dominated with their putting, receiving big contributions from a half dozen Solheim Cup rookies, including 17-year-old Charley Hull of England. Hull overpowered American star Paula Creamer twice in as many days, winning the Saturday fourballs and the Sunday singles.
“It is amazing,” said Europe vice-captain Annika Sorenstam. “It has been an amazing week. Our strategy turned out.
“We made history and it is fun to be part of.”
Europe’s eight point win was the biggest margin of victory in the history of the women’s golf tournament, breaking the old mark of seven points which was achieved twice, by Europe in 2003 in Sweden and the Americans in the first year of event in 1990 in Florida.
Europe took a commanding lead into Sunday’s 12 singles matches after blitzing the USA in the afternoon fourball sessions on Saturday.
Hull, who is the youngest player in Solheim Cup history, was the biggest surprise for Europe with her strong play all weekend.
Hull said she didn’t feel anxious or apprehensive playing against former US Women’s Open winner Creamer.
“I didn’t feel nervous. I am not going to die if I hit a bad shot. So I just hit it, find it, and hit it again,” said Hull, who even asked Creamer for an autograph for a friend after the match was over.
“The Solheim Cup brings out the best and worst in you,” said Creamer, who was gracious in defeat.
European captain Liselotte Neumann was ecstatic with the win.
“I am so proud of my team,” she said. “Caroline really stepped up to the plate, winning five which has never been done.
“Charley is amazing. Being a 17-year old and handling all this pressure.”
Mallon’s squad desperately wanted to avoid a repeat of Saturday when they were hopelessly outgunned as the Europeans swept the afternoon session of fourballs 4-0. But Sunday ended up being more of the same.
“It is heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking,” Wie said.
