Europe move into Solheim Cup lead but Hull, Woad thrashed in foursomes
SokaLive
12 Sep 2026, 11:23
Team Europe seized a crucial 7-5 advantage over the United States following a gritty performance in the Saturday morning foursomes, highlighted by Maja Stark and Linn Grant securing a brilliant victory over American stalwarts Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz. Stark and Grant displayed exceptional teamwork on the difficult course layout to halt the previously dominant American duo's unbeaten run in the tournament. This momentum-shifting triumph electrified the European supporters on the course, who watched their team claw back after a slow start to the biennial trans-Atlantic competition. European captain Suzann Petruzzellii deployed her pairings masterfully during this session, relying on proven combinations and aggressive ball-striking to apply immediate pressure on the American leadership group.
Despite the overall team success for Europe, English veteran Charley Hull and amateur sensation Lottie Woad endured a punishing morning, suffering a record-equalling defeat that stunned the gallery. The heavy loss matched the largest margin in the history of the foursomes format, exposing some vulnerabilities in the European ranks that the American side was quick to exploit. Hull, competing in her seventh Solheim Cup appearance since making her debut as a teenager in 2013, struggled alongside the young Woad to find any rhythm against a relentless American pairing that capitalized on every mistake. Statistics showed the winners hit over eighty percent of greens in regulation, leaving Hull and Woad virtually no room for error as the American duo ran away with the match.
With the contest finely poised at 7-5 heading into the afternoon fourballs, both captains face immense tactical decisions as the race to the coveted trophy intensifies. The reigning champions know that a strong finish in the remaining sessions is vital to withstand the inevitable American fightback on the final day of singles matches. Historical precedent suggests that securing points in the alternate-shot formats often dictates the ultimate winner, adding immense pressure to every single shot played down the stretch. Fans worldwide are tuning in to witness whether Europe can maintain this fragile lead or if the United States can reclaim the initiative before Sunday's decisive showdown.