Solheim Cup A Battle Royale In 2011

Your eyes are not in the business of deceiving you today: Europe is out to a 4.5-3.5 lead over the US of A after day one of the 2011 Solheim Cup. In fact, if three European pairings had been able to close a bit better, the lead would be enormous.

Let’s begin, though, with the positives. Suzanne Pettersen won two matches and Catriona Matthew took 1.5 to stake the Euro side to its one-point lead. Sophie Gustafson and Caroline Hedwall spanked Vicky Hurst and Brittany Lincicome by a 5 & 4 tally to gain another important point for the Old World team. For the representatives of the far-western hemisphere, Paula Creamer equaled Pettersen with two victories.

The morning Foursomes matches ended in a 2-2 tie. Also known as alternate shot, the format generally favors the Euros and, for a time, that side was in complete command. With a 1-up lead with two to play, the Melissa Reid-Karen Stupples side inexplicably finished double-double to hand not just a half point, but a full one, to Team USA. In the afternoon Four Ball matches, recognized as better-ball in the Lower 48, Catriona Matthew and Sandra Gal were two up with three to play, promptly lost 16 and 17 to birdies and struggled to halve the match.

Depending on your perspective, Team Euro is either playing above its head or squandering opportunities to trounce the USA. 8 more partner matches on Saturday and 12 singles matches on Sunday will decide the winner of the 2011 Solheim Cup.