Solheim Cup session three is over, with Europe now taking a 7-5 lead over the Americans. Here are some of the immediate takeaways
- That final point, won by Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire, was a backbreaker for the Americans, who now really feel up against the wall. They need a good fourball session just to keep this within reasonable reach.
- Linn Grant and Maja Stark were so impressive in the biggest story of the second day, a massive win over America’s best pairing, Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz. Corpuz and Korda didn’t necessarily play poorly, the Swedish duo was just that good.
- Grant has always had a lot of upside in this competition if used properly. She was not utilized well in 2024. Her and Stark are such an obvious pairing and good for Anna Nordqvist realizing that. If Europe goes on to win, the performance of these two will be a huge reason why.
- Lauren. Coughlin. Enough said. She is now 5-0-2 and provides dominant wins. She is the best American player.
- Speaking of best American player, don’t think anyone would’ve guessed Allison Lee being the top point scorer for the Americans through two sessions, but she has already exceeded expectations with three points provided. She looked so solid in these foursomes.
- Charley Hull and Lottie Woad providing just a half a point as a pairing is shocking. On paper that should be the strongest pairing possible in this competition. They have faced stiff competition, but it is still a startling number.
- Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud are giving Grant and Stark a run for the European MVPs. Now they have dominated a match in a second format and have already given more points than they were expected to. With some of Europe’s higher ranked players struggling, this is a massive boost.
- Andrea Lee looked really good in her first match but struggled mightily today, it is interesting to see her play more foursomes after traditionally being more of a fourball player.
- Esther Henseleit had her struggles, especially on the putting green, but had a few nicely timed shots that set up her incredible partner, Leona Maguire. Maguire has been amazing, credit to Nordqvist to getting her return to form.
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