US meltdown in the Solheim Cup morning rounds

Things were looking pretty good for the Americans this morning. Through nine, Creamer/Daniel were up 2, Kim/Hurst were up 2, and even Diaz and Redman, playing the formidable Sorenstam/Pettersen duo, were up 2. The only shaky group of the bunch was Gulbis/Kerr, down 2.

But then, depression set in. Up four with only five to play, Diaz and Redman then put up three bogies, Sorenstam and Pettersen put up two birdies, and that was that. One point, Europe.

Hurst and Kim, up three with only four to play, experienced the same kind of meltdown: three bogies to Gustafson/Johnson?s two birdies, and a conceded putt to halve the match. Whoa, since when do we concede anything to halve a match? Make them show their stuff and make that putt!

Not quite as spectacularly, Creamer and Daniel, up two through 14, let their lead slip through their fingers and ended with a halve.

In their post-round interview, Creamer gave props to hall-of-famer Daniel, while Daniel returned the favor with this odd comment: ?as it worked out, she (Paula) was putting all the time. I just tried to give her lots of opportunities for birdie, and she had it rolling there. Then on 11, she missed a putt there, and from then on in we really didn?t make anything.?

Oh, okay, Beth. No mention of the three-foot par putt you missed on 17, when you were one up with two to play? You?re talking about Paula?s missed birdie putt on 11, and forgetting your own missed par putt when it really mattered? Not to mention your approach shot into a 4′ x 3′ bunker on 18. WTF!

Of course, this is from the woman who said to Creamer before their match began, “we’re not comfortable with each other, but let’s just make the most of it.” Real inspiring there, team leader. Great work. Now I see why you were a captain’s choice.

So we stand now Europe 3, USA 1. Maybe the afternoon rounds will turn things around.