Lilia Vu secured a 2-foot birdie putt on the last hole, helping the United States claim victory in the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017, triumphing over Europe in a nail-biting Sunday of singles matches. The U.S. team was brought to the brink of victory by outstanding performances from Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, and Allisen Corpuz, ultimately preventing Europe from winning the cup for a record fourth consecutive time.
With a final score of United States 15 1/2, Europe 12 1/2, it marked the largest margin since the U.S. won by five points seven years ago in Iowa. Despite trailing 6-2 after the first day and 10-6 entering singles matches, Team Europe fought hard to deny the Americans victory until the end.
The tournament concluded as Lilia Vu sank a critical birdie putt on the 18th hole, securing the necessary 14 1/2 points for the U.S. team. This win underlined the grit and determination required for such a fiercely contested competition, according to U.S. captain Stacy Lewis, who emphasized the significance of every putt and shot.
The victory improved the U.S. overall record to 11-7-1 in the Solheim Cup, which began in 1990 with support from Ping golf club manufacturer Karsten Solheim and his wife, Louise. The win also validated the meticulous, data-driven strategy of Lewis, who adopted “Unfinished Business” as the team’s motto for this year.
Standout performances from players such as Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang, Lauren Coughlin, and Megan Khang showcased the American team’s dominance across all facets of the game throughout the week of perfect weather at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Zhang’s historic 4-0 record and exceptional putting skills were instrumental in the U.S. victory. Despite the Europeans’ resilience, the Americans maintained a slight edge in most matches. The competition was intense, with key moments from players like Lexi Thompson, Andrea Lee, and Charley Hull keeping the outcome uncertain until the final putt was made.
Looking ahead, the American team will aim to secure a win on European soil in the upcoming events, with the Netherlands hosting the 2026 edition of the Solheim Cup. The hard-fought victory for the United States marked a significant triumph in the prestigious tournament, showcasing their talent and determination on the golf course.
