One of the final images from Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday at the Solheim Cup was of U.S. captain Pat Hurst huddled over a golf cart with assistant captains Michelle Wie West, Stacy Lewis and former captain Juli Inkster. That group had some serious strategy to consider as the U.S. team left the first day of Solheim Cup matches trailing Europe 5 ½ to 2 ½.
The Europeans got out to a quick lead in Saturday morning foursomes, winning 3 ½ points to the U.S. team’s ½ point. The two sides then split the afternoon four-balls 2-2.
A bit of a rules controversy overshadowed one of those points as the team of Nelly Korda and Ally Ewing won the 13th hole when Korda’s long eagle putt hung on the lip but was picked up too quickly by European opponent Madelene Sagstrom. Rules officials ultimately deemed the putt as holed, giving Korda and Ewing a 1-up advantage they took to the end of the match.
“It was just an unfortunate situation that had happened,” U.S. captain Pat Hurst said after announcing her Sunday lineup. “We want to just move on from that.”
European captain Catriona Matthew expressed delight at the first day’s results.
“We got off to a fantastic start winning 3½ to a half and obviously 2-2 in the afternoon was a solid result for us,” she said. “We knew the Americans would come back fighting, and to get through that session without losing it was great.”
The most notable part of her lineup may be Sagstrom in the lead-off spot after Saturday’s controversy. Matthew called Sagstrom a “relaxed character” who could handle the pressure of the situation.
“You know, I think it’s like anything, it’s unfortunate it’s happened,” Matthew said. “We’ve just got to get on with it.”
Overall score – Europe 5 ½, USA 2 ½
Sunday foursomes pairings
7:15 a.m. – Georgia Hall and Madelene Sagstrom (EUR) vs. Danielle Kang and Austin Ernst (USA)
7:27 a.m. – Charley Hull and Emily Pedersen (EUR) vs. Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomare (USA)
7:39 a.m. – Mel Reid and Leona Maguire (EUR) vs. Nelly Korda and Ally Ewing
7:51 a.m. – Anna Nordqvist and Matilda Castren (EUR) vs. Lizette Salas and Jennifer Kupcho
Competition schedule
Sunday, Sept. 5
Foursomes – 7:15-7:51 a.m.
Fourball – 12:05-12:50 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 6
Singles – 12:05-1:55 p.m.
TV times
You can watch Golf Channel for free on fuboTV. All times ET.
Saturday, Sept. 4
Golf Channel: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 2:30-6 p.m.
NBC: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 5
Golf Channel: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1:30-5:30
NBC: 12-1:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 6
Golf Channel: 12-6 p.m.
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