Solheim Cup 2023: Europe Retain Trophy

Following a disastrous opening in the day one fourballs, Europe battled back across the following two days to retain the Solheim Cup as they tied 14-14 with the United States, with Carlota Ciganda sinking the putt to clinch the title in her homeland at Finca Cortesin.

Europe recovered from a clean sweep in the Friday foursomes to win two and share one of the next three sessions, making the score 8-8 heading into the hotly anticipated Sunday singles, where team Europe, having won the previous event in 2021, would ultimately retain their Solheim Cup title.

Carlota Ciganda produced an unbeaten Solheim Cup on her home soil, and secured the point which saw Team Europe retain the trophy with a dramatic 14-14 draw against Team USA.

Europe's vice captain Dame Laura Davies suggested that It had been the team's intention to give the Spaniard the opportunity of winning the cup on her home turf. 

"That's why we put her there," Davies said.

"We thought the last two matches would be important. As it turned out it was matches 10 and 11, really.

"We had the thought of her holing the winning putt. As it was it was the retaining putt. The fact that Carlotta was there and the king was by the green, it doesn't get much better."

Ciganda fired her approach at the 16th to tap-in range and birdied the 17th to ensure a 2up victory which was the que for wild celebrations from the home crowd in Andalucia. 

"I don't have many feelings right now," Ciganda said. "I'm so happy just to do this for Suzann and for Spain. I'm just so proud. I'm just so happy. Everyone here is a family. The Spanish crowd is just amazing."

Those same celebrations were felt all throughout the European team...

With Europe retaining their title, it moves them up to eight wins since the event's inception, with some work still to do to catch up to the USA who sit on ten titles.

Its over to the men this week for the 2023 Ryder Cup, which is to be held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio, northeast of Rome, where Luke Donald's team will be looking to put 2021's whimpering defeat behind them...