The 2023 Solheim Cup ended in a draw, but Europe kept the trophy anyway.
In short: In a high-stakes showdown in southern Spain, the United States and Europe battled to a 14-14 stalemate. Because the Solheim Cup can only change hands through an outright victory, Europe successfully retained the title they won in 2021. It was a historic event defined by both tactical grit and rare feats.
Held from 22 to 24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Casares, Andalusia, the 18th edition of the Solheim Cup featured the top professional women golfers from the United States and Europe. The competition followed a three-day match play format mirroring the Ryder Cup, consisting of 28 total points. To secure the trophy, a challenger requires 14.5 points, while the defending champion needs only 14 points to retain it.
The 2023 event saw significant milestones. For the first time in the history of the tournament, Team USA achieved a clean sweep during a foursomes session. Additionally, European player Emily Kristine Pedersen recorded only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup, sinking her shot on the 12th hole during the afternoon four-ball session. The teams were led by first-time captains Stacy Lewis for the United States and Suzann Pettersen for Europe.
Eligibility for the teams is strictly regulated. European players must be members of the Ladies European Tour and satisfy specific nationality criteria set by the International Golf Federation. The U.S. team requires players to be current LPGA Tour members who are either citizens by birth, naturalized before age 18, or adopted as citizens before age 13. Team selection involves a mix of automatic qualifiers based on world rankings and points, supplemented by captain's picks.
This competition marked the final odd-year edition of the Solheim Cup, as the schedule shifted back to even-numbered years starting in 2024. This adjustment aligns the event with its historical cadence, which had been disrupted by the postponement of the 2020 Ryder Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2023 draw ensured the trophy remained in European hands, continuing the momentum from their 15-13 victory in 2021.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2023 Solheim Cup
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-2023-solheim-cup.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in US culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
