United States draw on anger to snatch Solheim Cup upset
UNITED States captain Juli Inkster admitted her team had been spurred on by a sense of injustice after their remarkable comeback snatched the Solheim Cup out of European hands yesterday.
Holders Europe looked set for an unprecedented third successive win when they took a 10-6 lead into the singles matches but were overwhelmed by the Americans, who prevailed 14 and a half to 13 and a half in Germany.
It was a triumph laced with vindication, following a row in the morning fourballs over the non-concession of a putt that left players from both teams in tears.
American Alison Lee believed English teenager Charley Hull had conceded and picked up her ball, only for Hull’s playing partner Suzann Pettersen to tell officials they had done no such thing.
It cost the US the hole and they lost the match, provoking claims that Pettersen had broken golf’s moral code. But Michelle Wie’s resounding 6&4 win over Swede Caroline Hedwall typified a ferocious American backlash in the final session, and Paula Creamer sealed victory when she beat German Sandra Gal 4&3.
“I didn’t have to say anything to them after this morning, they were all fired up and ready to go out and play,” said Inkster.