GAINESVILLE – US captain Stacy Lewis could feel the tension rise as match after match the Americans struggled late on Sunday before finally capturing their first since 2017.
Two ties and two losses to Europe came and went before Lilia Vu landed her approach inches from the 18th pin and tapped-in for birdie and a Cup-clinching half-point in the US women’s 15.5-12.5 victory.
“That was the longest hour and a half of my life. I’m not going to lie,” Lewis said. “That last hour of matches on 16 and 17 and 18, it just felt like it was never going to end.
“Just really nerve-wracking. You felt pretty helpless. The last 30 minutes or so were pretty rough.”
The joy of winning after Europe kept the Cup following last year’s 14-14 draw in Spain was worth the wait.
“I’m so proud of this team,” Lewis said. “They fought through some adversity this week and played some unbelievable golf. I’m proud that they get this moment to celebrate.”
Top-ranked Nelly Korda, a six-time LPGA winner this year, got her first Solheim Cup triumph.
“This was probably the most fun I’ve had on a golf course ever,” Korda said. “Just the team, environment, the caddies. Everyone was so incredible. We all vibed really well off each other.
“This is probably the most I’ve laughed and the most I’ve fist pumped ever on a golf course. It was just an amazing week and a dream come true.”