Europe has won the Solheim Cup on American soil for the first time in its history, and it has done so with an outstanding collective performance, and from the Spanish players Carlota Ciganda, Beatriz Recari and Azahara Muñoz, in particular, which has resulted in an uncontestable 10-18.

At the Colorado Golf Club, the singles matches on the third day were not the ideal setting for a potential American comeback. With seven matches remaining, Europe had already secured the title. And in the end, the margin of victory was the largest in the 13 editions played.

In this singles round, which began with a score of 5.5-10.5, Europe showed no mercy to its opponent. It secured victories in five matches – including Carlota Ciganda's win against Morgan Pressel (4/2) and Beatriz Recari's victory against Angela Stanford (2/1) – and drew another five.

At no point did an American comeback seem possible, largely due to the remarkable composure shown by a European team in which every player, including the debutantes, performed flawlessly. Carlota Ciganda is a prime example, having scored a point in all three of her appearances.

A hopeful start for Europe

After the first day, Europe led 5-3. Spain's dominance in this leg was total, as the continental team won all three matches in which a Spanish player was involved.

Specifically, Liselotte Neumann booked Carlota Ciganda in the morning and placed her trust in the pairs Azahara Muñoz-Karine Icher and Beatriz Recari-Suzann Pettersen. The former pair won against Christie Kerr and Paula Creamer 2up; while the latter pair also won (2/1 against Brittany Lang and Angela Stanford).

Later in the afternoon, Carlota made her debut. It took her a while to overcome her nerves, but once she did, she was instrumental in securing another point alongside Suzann Pettersen against Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson (1up).

European recital on the second day

The second day featured an afternoon session that was a spectacular showcase for the European contingent: four wins in four four-ball matches. Beatriz Recari and Karine Icher defeated Cristie Kerr and Morgan Pressel (1 up), and Azahara Muñoz and Carlota Ciganda beat Gerina Piller and Angela Stanford on the 18th hole, thanks to a great birdie by Muñoz.

In the morning, captain Liselotte Neumann again opted to rest Carlota Ciganda and continued to field the pairs Azahara Muñoz-Karine Icher and Beatriz Recari-Suzann Pettersen, this time without success. The Spanish players lost their close matches, and the morning ended with a 2.5-1.5 score in favor of the home team.

SOLHEIM CUP 2013

First day (Foursomes)

USA, 1 – Europe, 3

First day (Fourballs)

USA, 2 – Europe, 2

Second day (Foursomes)

USA, 2.5 – Europe, 1.5

Second day (Fourballs)

USA, 0 – Europe, 4

Third day (Individuals)

USA, 4.5 – Europe, 7.5

TOTAL

USA, 10 – Europe, 18

See the full results below, in the Related Links section.