GOLF NEWS

How Europe Retained the 2023 Solheim Cup in a Tie

By 김지훈 기자 GOLF NEWS · 2026.10.13 · 4 min read

2023 Solheim Cup: The U.S. Could Not Turn the Tide in Sunday Singles

The 2023 Solheim Cup ended with Europe retaining the trophy after the United States and Europe finished level at 14-14. The U.S. did not suffer a one-sided defeat in Sunday’s singles, but it was painful for the team to fail to break the tie in the final session, when the event was decided. According to the official LPGA results, the teams won six singles matches apiece.

The event took place from September 22 to 24, 2023, at Finca Cortesin in Casares, Spain. After the first two days of foursomes and four-ball matches, the U.S. and Europe were tied 8-8, leaving both teams in need of a decisive advantage in Sunday’s singles to secure the title.

The U.S. Did Not Lead After Saturday

Contrary to the original account, the U.S. was not in sole possession of the lead at the end of Saturday’s matches. After the teams opened the first day tied at 4-4, Europe won Saturday’s four-ball session 3-1, leaving the overall score deadlocked at 8-8.

That meant the U.S. was not trying to protect a lead on Sunday. Starting from an even position, it needed at least seven points to secure the title. Because the Solheim Cup awards one point for a match win and half a point for a tie, the results of the final 12 singles matches would determine the tournament.

Europe and the U.S. Split the Sunday Singles, Six Wins Apiece

Neither side established a clear advantage in Sunday’s singles. Megan Khang, Danielle Kang, Ally Ewing, Angel Yin, Lexi Thompson and Cheyenne Knight contributed points for the U.S., while Europe’s winners were Linn Grant, Leona Maguire, Anna Nordqvist, Celine Boutier, Madelene Sagstrom and Carlota Ciganda.

Ciganda Delivered the Decisive Moment

The turning point came in the match between Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, backed by the home crowd, and Nelly Korda. Ciganda beat Korda by two holes to secure Europe’s 14th point. Lexi Thompson then defeated Emily Kristine Pedersen by two holes, bringing the final score to 14-14.

Europe retained the trophy because of the event’s tie-break rule. If the final score is 14-14, the previous champions keep the Solheim Cup. Europe had beaten the U.S. 15-13 in 2021, so it remained the champion despite the draw in 2023.

What the Result Means for the U.S.

From the U.S. perspective, the 2023 Solheim Cup was less a complete collapse than an event in which the team failed to clear the final hurdle. It won six singles matches and kept the pressure on Europe until the end, but could not secure a seventh victory in the final session, which began level at 8-8.

Europe, meanwhile, capitalized at the decisive moments despite allowing the momentum to swing. Ciganda’s final win proved crucial, and Europe retained the Solheim Cup for a third consecutive event, following its victories in 2019 and 2021.

The key lesson from 2023 was not only the result of individual singles matches but also the value of the points accumulated during the first two days. To reclaim the trophy at the next event, the U.S. will need to improve its focus late in matches, manage points more effectively and finish stronger in close contests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the final result of the 2023 Solheim Cup?

Europe and the United States tied 14-14. Under the rule that the previous champions retain the trophy in the event of a tie, Europe remained the champion.

How many wins did the U.S. record in Sunday’s singles?

The U.S. won six of the 12 singles matches. Europe also recorded six wins, leaving the singles session tied 6-6.

How many points did the U.S. and Europe have before Sunday’s singles?

After the first two days of foursomes and four-ball matches, the teams were tied at 8-8.

Who did Carlota Ciganda defeat?

Ciganda beat Nelly Korda of the United States by two holes in Sunday’s singles, earning Europe its 14th point.

How does Solheim Cup Sunday singles work?

Each team fields 12 players in head-to-head matches. A match win is worth one point, while a tie earns each team half a point. If the final score is 14-14, the previous champions retain the trophy.