Europe wants to repeat the "miracle in Medinah"

Europe must achieve a miracle turnaround against the USA in the Solheim Cup. Then the European women find inspiration from the men's counterpart, the Ryder Cup. The miracle in Medinah, it can happen, says Spanish golfer Carlota Ciganda.

» Published: September 15 2024

Europe wants to repeat the "miracle in Medinah"
Photo: Matt York/AP/TT

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Before Sunday's twelve final singles matches in the classic team competition Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, Europe is trailing 6-10 against the USA.

A similar deficit was turned around by Europe's men away against the USA in the Ryder Cup 2012. A turnaround that is usually called the "miracle in Medinah".

We have a chance. There are twelve points at stake. The miracle in Medinah, it can happen, said Spaniard Carlota Ciganda in Viaplay's broadcast after Saturday's foursome matches.

The USA has not won the Solheim Cup since 2017, but took a grip on this year's edition via a 6-2 lead already after Friday. Saturday's eight matches ended 4-4.

Europe's four Swedish players have mixed and matched during the first two days. Anna Nordqvist has two wins and one loss as a result, Madelene Sagström has one win and one loss, Maja Stark has one win and two losses, while Linn Grant has lost all three matches she has played.

Europe's women have also lost a 10-6 lead. Nine years ago – in 2015 in Germany – Europe led 10-6 before Sunday, but only took 3.5 points on Sunday and the USA could sprint past to a win with 14.5-13.5.

Daniel Kihlström/TT

Facts: Solheim Cup

TT

The women's golf team competition between Europe and the USA has been held every other year since 1990. Due to the pandemic, the competition is now being held two years in a row (2023 and 2024) – this so that the men's Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup will not be decided the same year in the future.

The competition is decided over eight foursome matches, eight best ball matches, and twelve singles matches.

A total of 28 points are at stake, which means that the team that first reaches 14.5 points has won. In the event of a 14-14 tie, the reigning champion team retains the trophy. This happened last year for Europe, which has won the competition both in 2021 and 2019.

In foursome, the players take alternate shots. In best ball, all players play their own ball, but each pair only counts their best result on each hole.

In Sunday's final singles matches, all twelve players on each team play their own match.

The USA has won the competition ten times – Europe has won seven times and retained the trophy once in a tie. The USA has not won the Solheim Cup since 2017.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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