The first session of The 2019 Solheim Cup lived up to the pre-event hype as Europe edged the Friday morning foursomes 2½ points to 1½.
Having started in front of the biggest, loudest first-tee crowd the competition has ever seen, Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law, out first, grabbed a half point against Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex. Ciganda holed a brilliant putt for a two on the par three 17th and then finished off an excellent up-and-down on 18 to take a share of the spoils.
Just behind them in match two, Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier won 2&1 against Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomare, but the Korda sisters – Jessica and Nelly – put some red on the board with a thumping 6&5 win over Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff.
In the final match of the session, Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz closed out a 2&1 victory over Megan Khang and Annie Park after a tense back nine.
Hall, who partnered rookie Boutier to a debut point, said: We played really well, and I’m happy to get that first point.
“Celine is known for her putting and I’m a bit longer with my irons, so we gelled well. I managed to hit some close on the front nine and Celine holed some great putts.”
Boutier said: “It’s pretty unreal. I feel like my heart is about to explode.
“Our team tried to prepare me and the rookies for the nerves of the first tee and there were some terrible stories about throwing up and shaking so hard you couldn’t feel the club. I knew I was going to feel nervous but I just tried to concentrate on hitting the fairway.”
The Kordas made history by becoming the first sisters to play together in a Solheim Cup, and made a flying start for Team USA.
Jessica said: “It was awesome. We were having fun already on the driving range actually, so it was really, relaxed, and we just had a great time. Playing together is just a tip of the top.”
Nelly added: “We started out quite hot. I think we won the first birdie, birdie. So it was a good start, and I don’t think we could have dreamt of anything better.
“It was a lot of fun. And when you have your sister by your side she kind of calms you down a little, so you have someone to lean on.”
