Europe leads The Solheim Cup by 5–3 on day one

(Crooked Stick GC, Carmel. Ind. – September 9, 2005) — Laura Davies, Annika Sorenstam and Suzann Pettersen, three legends of past contests, emerged from the first day of the Solheim Cup with unblemished records as a vibrant Europe battled to a 5-3 lead after the opening day at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana.

Suzann Pettersen holes a long birdie putt at the 17th

The biggest turnaround came in the final match, with Sorenstam and Pettersen coming from four down with six to play to win on the final green.

Sorenstam started the comeback by lipping out for a hole in one at the short 13th. The easy tap-in for a two was the first of a five hole winning streak, four of them with birdies.

Pettersen, out with injury for much of the season, played her part by holing from 12-feet for birdies at the 16th and 17th as she repaid Catrin Nilsmark’s faith in giving her one of the five Captain’s wild card selections.

Foursomes results (US names first): Beth Daniel and Paula Creamer halved with Carin Koch and Catriona Matthew; Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis lost to Laura Davies and Maria Hjorth 2 and 1; Christina Kim and Pat Hurst halved with Sophie Gustafson and Trish Johnson; Michele Redman and Laura Diaz lost to Annika Sorenstam and Suzann Pettersen one hole

Score: USA 1 Europe 3

Fourball results (US. names first): Rosie Jones and Meg Mallon beat Maria Hjorth and Iben Tinning 3 and 2; Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis beat Sophie Gustafson and Karen Stupples 2 and 1; Pat Hurst and Wendy Ward lost to Annika Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew 2 and 1; Paula Creamer and Juli Inkster lost to Laura Davies and Suzann Pettersen 4 and 3

Score: USA 2 Europe 2

Overall score: USA 3 Europe 5