The Solheim Cup is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and the 2023 edition was no exception. The biennial event, which pits the best female golfers from the United States against their European counterparts, took place in Spain, with the European team looking to retain their title for the fourth consecutive time. Led by captain Suzann Pettersen, the European team put up a valiant effort, but ultimately came up short against a determined American side. In this article, we will take a closer look at the tournament, the key moments that shaped the outcome, and the reactions of the players and captains.
Europe’s Title Defense Ends in Disappointment
For five years, the European team had reigned supreme in the Solheim Cup, thanks in large part to their incredible depth and team spirit. However, this year’s tournament was different. Despite their best efforts, the European team found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-2 deficit after the first day’s play, courtesy of a rampant American team. Although they clawed their way back on the second day, ultimately sharing the spoils in the foursomes and fourballs matches, the damage had been done. The Americans retained their 10-6 advantage heading into the final day, leaving the European team with a mountain to climb.
On the final day, the European team produced a gutsy display in the singles matches, winning six and a half points to the Americans’ five and a half. However, it was a case of too little, too late. The American team secured the necessary points to win the tournament, and when US team member Lexi Thompson defeated Europe’s Carlota Ciganda 1 up in the penultimate match, the title was all but sealed. The final score of 15 ½ to 12 ½ was a testament to the closeness of the competition, but for the European team, there was little consolation.
Leona Maguire Left Out in the Cold
One of the most contentious issues to emerge from the tournament was the decision by captain Suzann Pettersen to leave Leona Maguire out of Saturday’s foursomes and fourballs matches. The Ireland international, who had been a star of the previous two Solheim Cups, was shocked by the decision, and her disappointment was evident. “I feel like I’ve been playing really great golf all week in practice, and it was a bitter pill to swallow to be sat out for as many sessions as I was,” Maguire said after her victory over Ally Ewing on the final day. Although she earned an impressive 4&3 win in her singles match, Maguire couldn’t hide her frustration at not being given more opportunities to contribute to the team’s cause.
Captain Pettersen: No Regrets
For Suzann Pettersen, the decision to leave Leona Maguire out of the team was just one of many tough choices that captains have to make during the course of the tournament. In a post-tournament interview, Pettersen stated that she had “no regrets” over her team selection, despite the European team’s loss. “You can always look back and think about different pairings or different players, but I don’t think we have any regrets about what we did. We tried our best,” she said. Pettersen also acknowledged that she had taken the decision to leave Maguire out due to concerns over her length and birdie conversion rate, but emphasized that it was by no means an easy decision. “You have to trust your instincts as a captain and make the decisions that you believe are right for the team. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get outplayed,” she said.
What Next for Team Europe?
For the European team, the loss will be a tough pill to swallow, but they can take heart from their spirited performance on the final day. Captain Suzann Pettersen will not continue as captain for the 2026 tournament, and it remains to be seen who will take over the reins. However, with a strong squad and a newfound hunger for success, the European team will be back, hungrier than ever. “I think we’ll come back equally as hungry as the Americans after their first defeat since 2017,” Pettersen said, looking to the future. With some of the most talented female golfers in the world at their disposal, the European team will look to regroup and recharge ahead of the next Solheim Cup, determined to regain their crown.