(Crooked Stick GC, Carmel. Ind. – September 11, 2005) — There was a great end of order fight back for Europe, but it wasn’t enough to stop America from regaining the Solheim Cup 15.5-12.5 at Crooked Stick GC in Carmel, Indiana.
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| US. Captain Nancy Lopez celebrates with Mallon |
Annika Sorenstam provided a break for the Europeans with a 4 and 3 win over Beth Daniel in the sixth match and, not surprisingly, the world No.1 emerged as the leading points scorer with four wins from five matches.
But even Sorenstam couldn’t stem the tide and Natalie Gulbis made it six points for the US with a 3 and 1 win over Maria Hjorth, clearing the way for Mallon to claim the most honourable of roles.
But she had to wait for Matthew to beat Wendy Ward 3 and 2, Koch to edge out Michel Redman 2 and 1 and brave Nocera to eclipse American No.1 Cristie Kerr by 2 and 1 before Mallon had her chance.
Having gone three up with five to play, and only needing a half point against Stupples, it was over when the eight-time Solheim player halved the 16th to go dormie two up.
With the match over, Suzann Pettersen made sure of retaining her unbeaten record with a halved match against Rosie Jones.
For Europe, it was a great effort – and everyone is already looking forward to trying to get the Cup back at Halmstad in Sweden in two years’ time.
Singles results (US first):
Juli Inkster beat Sophie Gustafson 2 and 1; Paula Creamer beat Laura Davies 7 and 5; Pat Hurst beat Trish Johnson 2 and 1; Laura Diaz beat Iben Tinning 6 and 5; Christina Kim beat Ludivine Kreutz 5 and 4; Beth Daniel lost to Annika Sorenstam 4 and 3; Natalie Gulbis beat Maria Hjorth 3 and 1; Wendy Ward lost to Catriona Matthew 3 and 2; Michele Redman lost to Carin Koch 2 and 1; Cristie Kerr lost to Gwladys Nocera 2 and 1; Meg Mallon beat Karen Stupples 3 and 1; Rosie Jones halved with Suzann Pettersen
Score: USA 7.5 Europe 4.5
Final score USA 15.5 Europe 12.5
