Defending champion Europe has surged in front on the 2021 Solheim Cup
Europe has long thrived in foursomes. The final time the Individuals gained the morning session alternate-shot format on the event’s first day was in 2009.
Journey limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic left the Europeans with few supporters in a decidedly professional U.S. crowd.
Reid and Maguire, a Solheim Cup rookie, greater than held their own in opposition to world No. 1 Nelly Korda and older sister Jessica. The Europeans took the lead when the Kordas made a mess of the par-4 fourth. They pushed the benefit to 2-up after the Americans posted a double bogey on the par-4 sixth and closed it out when Maguire calmly rolled in a 3-foot par putt on the 18th.
The loss was the first for Nelly Korda in foursomes and simply the second in 5 foursome matches for Jessica. The Americans managed three birdies — two of which have been matched by the Europeans — during the round even with former Masters champion Bubba Watson strolling together with their group whereas serving as a volunteer assistant for U.S. captain Pat Hurst.
Americans Ally Ewing and Megan Khang have been 2-up with three to go but let it slip away when Ewing missed 3-footer on 18 that might have won it, forcing the U.S. to accept a half-point. Brittany Altomare and Lexi Thompson were 2-up with 4 holes to go solely to lose when Altomare’s tee shot on the 18th went into a bunker, opening the door for Pedersen and Hull to slide by.
Europe is searching for simply its second victory on U.S. soil in the Solheim Cup’s 31-year history.
