Team USA Triumphs Over Europe 15.5-12.5 as Lilia Vu Clinches Victory
Published by Bonnyton Golf Club in Competition · Monday 16 Sep 2024 · 1:45
Team USA ended a seven-year Solheim Cup drought, defeating Europe 15.5-12.5 in a thrilling contest at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. World No. 2 Lilia Vu secured the crucial half-point to seal the win for captain Stacy Lewis’ team, marking the USA's first victory since 2017.
Despite a fierce final-day push from Team Europe, who claimed 6.5 points in the Sunday singles, the Americans held firm to deny their rivals a fourth consecutive win. The USA entered the final day with a commanding 10-6 lead, needing only 4.5 points to take the trophy. Key victories from Megan Khang, Allisen Corpuz, and Rose Zhang pushed them closer to their target.
Europe's Charley Hull set the tone early, cruising past World No. 1 Nelly Korda with a 6&4 victory, while Georgia Hall also dominated Alison Lee, igniting hopes of a European comeback. Celine Boutier and Leona Maguire added critical points, but Lilia Vu’s clutch performance down the stretch ensured the Americans crossed the finish line first. Vu birdied the final two holes to tie her match with European rookie Albane Valenzuela, securing the half-point Team USA needed to claim victory.
European captain Suzann Pettersen praised her team's resilience, saying, "We gave them a run for their money," while also acknowledging the strong start by Team USA that ultimately proved too much to overcome. Meanwhile, Stacy Lewis expressed pride in her team's efforts, calling Vu's finish "unbelievable" and noting how close the contest came to swinging either way.
The Americans will now look ahead to 2026, when they’ll aim to win on European soil for the first time since 2015, with the next Solheim Cup set to take place in the Netherlands.
Stay tuned for more updates on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour this season. For girls wishing to take up golf check out our offers!