Solheim Cup: Europe retain trophy in match for the ages 

Carlota Ciganda was the home hero as Europe retained the Solheim Cup on an astonishing day of drama at Finca Cortesin.

The inspired Spaniard Ciganda downed Nelly Korda with two incredible closing birdies to claim the vital 14th point that ensured the trophy would be staying in Europe.

This was a battle for the ages on the Costa del Sol, where Suzann Pettersen’s side rode the wave of momentum after being whitewashed 4-0 on Friday morning foursomes.

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At one stage during the remarkable Sunday singles session, the resurgent American team appeared destined to snatch the trophy.

But crucial victories for Ciganda, Caroline Hedwall and Maja Stark sparked wild celebrations for those in blue-and-gold.

“We have the best team, I’m so proud of them,” Pettersen beamed. “They play with their hearts, there is no such thing as giving up, no matter what the challenges were. We got off to a rough start but we didn’t look back. The sky is the limit.

“This is all Carlota. It’s one of best things I’ve been a part of, this is what makes the Solheim Cup so special.”

Ciganda, who won all four matches she played in, was overcome with emotion as she hugged Pettersen on the 17th green.

“I’m so happy just to do this for Suzann, for Spain,” she said. ‘I’m just so proud. I’m so happy to do this for everyone here of the family, the Spanish crowd, this is just amazing.

“When I saw Suzann on 16, she told me a couple of things, and I was like, ‘I’m just going to do this for her, because I love her and she deserves this.”

The outcome of this incredible duel was impossible to call right up until its climax, where Lexi Thompson defeated Emily Pedersen to claim parity and ensure Europe would not be celebrating a historic hat-trick of Solheim victories.

But captain Pettersen will care not after her galvanised team completed a fine comeback from such a chastening start to deny Stacy Lewis’ resilient American side.

The singles session perfectly poised at 8-8, and, as it so often does, the Solheim Cup delivered a finale for the ages.

There was nothing to split the two sides throughout a nail-biting final day, with Megan Khang and Danielle Kang getting red on the board early with victories over Linn Grant and Charley Hull.

Leona Maguire, Europe’s new totemic figure, finished her fifth of the match of the week in style by defeating the phenomenon Rose Zhang 4&3.

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But after Anna Nordqvist showed nerves of steel to edge out Jenifer Kupcho, Europe were on the ropes as Georgia Hall and Gemma Dryburgh both halved their matches from strong winning positions.

Hall’s three-putt from ten feet on the 17th looked particularly costly as the momentum swung with the stars and stripes.

Enter the impassioned Hedwall.

The 34-year-old Swede had only played once before the singles session and looked down and out at one stage against the impressive Ally Ewing.

But Hedwall stormed back in an incredible back-nine comeback with five birdies down the stretch to pile the pressure on Ewing and ultimately shake hands on a 2&1 victory, leaving Europe on the brink.

The stage was then set for Ciganda, who embraced the pressure and the raucous home support to launch her approach to within tap-in distance on the 17th, before sinking the two-footer that followed to retain the Solheim Cup.

The dream denouement for Ciganda in her homeland, and a fitting end to a nerve-shredding contest between two teams that could not be separated over 28 matches.

Roll on Virginia for the next chapter of this epic rivalry in 12 months’ time.

Solheim Cup singles results:

Linn Grant vs Megan Khang 1up

Leona Maguire 4&3 vs Rose Zhang

Charley Hull vs Danielle Kang 4&2

Anna Nordqvist 2&1 vs Jennifer Kupcho

Georgia Hall vs Andrea Lee AS

Gemma Drybrugh vs Cheyenne Knight AS

Celine Boutier vs Angel Yin 2&1

Caroline Hedwall 2 up vs Ally Ewing

Madelene Sagstrom vs Lilia Vu 4&3

Maja Stark 2&1 vs Allisen Corpuz

Carlota Ciganda 2&1 vs Nelly Korda

Emily Kristine Pedersen vs Lexi Thompson 2 up

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.