Solheim & Ryder Cup week update. It’s 1 nil to Europe. Sort of. But not really!
Well, that was a Solheim Cup for the ages this past weekend! The first tie in Solheim Cup history, meaning that Europe as holders retained the trophy. After Europe were hammered 4:0 in the opening foursomes session on Friday, it was difficult to see past a victory for USA. However, Europe’s ladies rallied superbly to draw level heading into Sunday’s singles. Fittingly, Spaniard Carlota Ciganda, fired 2 incredible approach shots on holes 16 and 17 in her singles match to win the point which retained the cup for Europe.
And, what are the chances of a tie this coming weekend when the Ryder cup tees off at Marco Simone in Rome? History would say, very little, as it’s only happened twice. The first time was at Royal Birkdale in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin to tie the match and retain the cup for the USA. The Belfry in 1989 was the stage for the second tie when Europe retained the cup. So, it’s 1 tie, 1 retention each for Europe and USA in the Ryder Cup.
On paper, Team USA had higher average world rankings than Team Europe for the Solheim Cup. Same goes in the Ryder Cup. But the matchplay format doesn’t care about world rankings or reputations. The singles matches are 1 to 1 combat while the foursomes and fourball formats present very different challenges to the strokeplay events the world’s elite golfers play week in, week out.
We think it’s going to be a close call. Check out the video to see my chat with Frank Gannon about the tournaments.
Don’t forget, the centenary of the Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor in 2027. Get ahead of the crowd and experience this amazing venue and others on your golf trip of a lifetime. Contact us to start planning your next dream golf vacation in the British Isles and Europe.
GO EUROPE!