ENJOY THE UK & IRELAND’S #1 GOLF RESORT

Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, has announced a special welcome back stay-and-play package, ‘Tee it up’, to inspire golfing aficionados to experience the award-winning ‘Glorious Playground’ throughout August and September.

Golfers taking advantage of the overnight package which starts from £285 per person in a twin or double Country Room, will be able to enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, The Strathearn, as well as one round of golf per person on any of Gleneagles’ three spectacular championship courses – The King’s, The Queen’s or The PGA Centenary. They will also have use of a range of leisure facilities, including the pitch-and-putt course, lawn games and outdoor tennis courts.

Beyond the lure of its famous fairways, golfers can unwind and relax at the hotel, where a wealth of food and drink options await, including The Strathearn, the theatrical Franco-Scottish dining experience, the Birnam Brasserie, a relaxed Mediterranean style restaurant serving the best Italian and French-style cuisine, or toast the day’s play in the famous Century Bar.

For those keen to take in the stunning views and serene surrounds of the golf courses, The Dormy Restaurant overlooks the 18th greens of The King’s and Queen’s courses and serves freshly fired pizzas and a range of tandoor inspired dishes created in the dedicated Tandoor oven.

Gleneagles also boasts over 50 pursuits beyond its manicured golf courses, including fly-fishing, falconry, cycling, off-roading, equestrian experiences and archery to name just a few. Guests can also try their hand at paddle boarding or canoeing on one of the hotel’s very own lochs or take to the trees with a tree climbing and zip-wire experience.

‘Tee it up’ is also available with one night, two round options for golfers seeking 36-hole packages, and flexible booking options are in place to guarantee peace of mind.

Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have hosted both The Solheim Cup (2019) and The Ryder Cup (2014). It is currently ranked the #1 Golf Resort in the UK & Ireland by Golf World.  The King’s and The Queen’s courses, regarded as James Braid classics and a regular feature of Top 100 rankings, have benefitted from significant renovation projects that have seen them restored to their original ‘inland links’ designs.

The PGA Centenary Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, was also the focus for one of last year’s greatest sporting moments when Norway’s Suzann Pettersen clinched the Solheim Cup for Team Europe on the final green of the final day’s play.

For ‘Tee it up’ bookings and further information, call: 0800 389 3737.

Alternatively, book online: https://gleneagles.com/offers/tee-it-up/
*Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Terms and conditions apply. From price based on two people sharing a Country Room (other room rates are available on request). VAT is included in the rate.
www.gleneagles.com

The post Gleneagles Launches August And September Golf Offer appeared first on Golf North.

Your very own piece of the playground. This year and every year

Come home to Glenmor this year and every year. A collection of beautifully designed two, three, or four bedroom homes in a peaceful village setting beneath the Ochil Hills, Glenmor blends all the adventures of our glorious playground with the space and comforts of home. All the thrills of Gleneagles are at your disposal, so you can do as much – or as little – as you like.

Explore our collection of award-winning restaurants, or relax while our chefs cook you a private dinner in your home. Indulge in a spa treatment, pamper yourself in Bob and Cloche, or take the whole family off to try a new country pursuit. Take the kids for a splash in the Health Club, or let them burn up some energy in Little Glen and The Den while you cosy up with a good book in your favourite arm chair. And if you don’t manage to fit everything in, there’s always next year . . . Because no matter where life takes you, your Glenmor home will become the heart of your family’s memories.

Come back to reconnect and recharge, to explore and play, to discover and dream. Glenmor is guaranteed fun and excitement – and a date in the diary they’ll all want to keep. Seasonal ownership at Gleneagles is available from as little as £9,000 for a full week, every year until 2058 or only £5,000 for a short break.

To find our more call 01764 694321 or email own@gleneagles.com

The post Glenmor appeared first on Golf North.

Mel Reid says some of her best golfing memories and friendships are from her days as an England international. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

MEL Reid brought her inspirational golfing story to life in a fascinating web chat with the current England squads and coaches.

The 32-year-old LPGA rookie became the latest professional to offer insight and advice through an online Q&A.

Reid came through the England Golf ranks and won back-to-back English Girls Championships in 2004-5.

The two-time winner of the Helen Holm Trophy played in the 2006 Curtis Cup – before turning pro in 2008, after winning the British Ladies Amateur Strokeplay in 2007.

The six-time LET winner from Derbyshire returned to form last year with a third-placed finish at the Women’s PGA Championship in the States.

The former Chevin junior was a vice-captain when Europe’s Solheim Cup team edged the USA in a thrilling match at Gleneagles, in September.

Now based in Florida, Reid is a strong advocate for the women’s game.

And her passion for golf shone through in her frank and honest discussion with an enthralled audience.

Reid said: “I think that it’s important that you leave the game in a better place than you found it.

“Some golfers have foundations or are mentors. I feel that I have a voice and that’s where I can make changes – by being authentically myself.

“It is important to show young girls and guys that the golf game is not old-fashioned.

“I want to show people my story and if that helps people then great.

“My story is a little bit different and it is important for me to fight for things I believe in,” said Reid, who announced she was gay in an interview with a US-based website in December 2018.

“I’m passionate about it and if I am a role model that’s a huge honour.”

Mel Reid was the latest star to speak to members of England Golf’s performance squads during the COVID-19 lockdown. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Strong mindset the key to success’

MEL Reid revealed the importance of having a strong mindset in golf.

She suggested it was the key difference between a player ranked one or 100 on tour.

Mel opened up on her fitness regime which has allowed her to become one of the strongest and most athletic players on tour.

Reid was speaking from her base at the Floridian Club, near Jupiter in Florida.

The 32-year-old also reminisced on her work ethic as a junior which saw her play 45 holes a day.

She spoke of a desire for young players to develop a natural game rather than becoming obsessed with the game’s gadgetry and technology from too early an age.

“I was in the England squads at the age of 13 and involved with GB&I at 15. There are friends from those days who remain my best mates,” revealed Reid.

“Some of the fondest memories I have in golf are from my amateur days and people you met became like family.

“It taught me a great deal travelling round the world as a teenager.

“It’s a really cool experience that I was lucky to have.”

Having taken time to rest and reset during lockdown, Reid is now eager to get back on tour safely with her status on the LPGA,

Mel Reid (left) with Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew wants to see more integrated tournaments between the LET and European Tour. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Let the women take on golf’s top stars’

MEL criticised last month’s men-only TaylorMade Golf Driving Challenge on social media – for not including any LPGA stars.

She received plenty of abusive comments on Twitter for calling for women to have been included in the charity event at Florida’s Seminole GC.

It was the first televised golf in the States in more than two months.

Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson raised money for charities and health workers fighting COVID-19 playing against Rickie Fowler and Matt Wolff.

Despite the online attacks on her views, Mel is hopeful that the evolution of golf will see respect for the women’s game grow.

She added: “I’d love to see a mixed team event on the PGA Tour. I also think golf at the Olympics should be mixed.

“It shouldn’t be every golf event. I don’t feel that would be appropriate.

“But it would be awesome to have some mixed events – the guys and girls would love to play each other.

“I see how much higher the mountain is for girls to climb – and I fight for more respect for women athletes across the board.

“Golf is one of the most financially rewarding sports – second to tennis. But we still have a long way to go from a respect point of view.”

Mel has already represented England in the European Tour’s ground-breaking GolfSixes, taking on the men.

But she missed last year’s inaugural Jordan Mixed Open when 41 LET players took on players from the European Challange and Staysure Tours.

• England squads have enjoyed a number of Q&A sessions with stars such as Matt Wallace, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bronte Law, Meg Maclaren, Danny Willett and Chris Wood in recent weeks.

Forthcoming sessions are pencilled in with LET rookie Alice Hewson and former World No. 1 Lee Westwood.

https://twitter.com/molly_mcelwee/status/1263814139148984320 Mel Reid’s comments on Twitter about the TaylorMade Driving Challenge caused a stir

The post Mel Reid tells England stars: ‘Play naturally – don’t get obsessed with golf gadgets’ appeared first on Golf North.

Scotland’s Heather MacRae is looking forward to the inaugural Saudi Ladies International event on the LET later this month, after beating cancer. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

SCOTTISH pro Heather MacRae celebrated International Women’s Day by sharing her cancer ordeal.

Almost exactly a year ago to the day, MacRae’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Since then, she has gone on to win the 2019 Women’s PGA Professional Championship – held just two weeks before her surgery.

In turn, the 37-year-old topped the points table to earn her place on the Great Britain & Ireland team for the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup against America, Canada, Sweden, which was held at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, in October.

On International Women’s Day, on March 6, MacRae is looking forward to playing on an invite in the Ladies European Tour’s inaugural Saudi Ladies International later this month.

The new event – one of four on the LET’s 2020 schedule – takes place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, from March 19-22 – and MacRae can look forward to playing on Tour again after recovering from surgery to remove the cancer cells.

MacRae, who is attached to Gleneagles, said: “You don’t ever think this kind of thing will happen to you and it’s not something you can prepare for – or know how you will react.

“It still amazes me how I dealt with the diagnosis as it was in a week where I was hosting a couple of golf days for International Women’s Day.

“Maybe it was because I was so focused on those being a success that it didn’t properly sink in for a while.”

McRae, who plays on the LET Access Series, also believes her coaching responsibities with also helped her cope with her fight with the Big C.

Heather, who won the 2007 British Ladies Strokeplay Championship before turning pro after that summer, added: “The girls coaching I do was a great distraction for me because you just want them to see a happy, positive role model and it helped me in keeping my head up.”

And when not coaching, playing, or preparing to play was the best medicine for the Stirling golfer, who won the Scottish Girls Championship in 2001.

“After the initial diagnosis, I would always be looking to see what tournament I could play,” added Heather McRae, “so that I always had a goal or something to aim for – something to give me a purpose.

“I would practice whatever I was able to practice – sometimes it was only putting, sometimes mental skills, sometimes only dreaming about playing tournaments again.”

‘Good news’ after cancer treatment

And the good news is that after treament, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Heather MacRae.

“I had my latest check-up just yesterday, one year on from the diagnosis. It was a good result, I am happy.

“To think where I was this time last year and now I am going to be playing the Aramco Saudi Ladies International – the biggest event on the LET outside the majors this year – is quite amazing.

“I have been working so hard on my golf and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. But I am just excited to be back playing on the LET this year knowing I will enjoy every minute of it.

“Everyone faces struggles and difficult times – you can’t compare yours to anyone else’s because to you, it’s yours that affect you the most.

“You can always try to help yourself, always try and do things just a little better each day.

“Set goals, big goals, then just try and chip away at them piece by piece.

“Some days are better than others. You will achieve more, but if you can make a tiny bit of progress even on the bad days, you can get there.

But her most simple messaged was: “Don’t ever give up.”

•Find out more about the field at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International by clicking here.

The post Heather MacRae can’t wait to play Saudi International after battling to beat cancer appeared first on Golf North.

World’s best hickory players come together to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930

First event played ‘in memory of’ the great James Braid

The world’s best hickory players are coming together next month to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930. In a series of ten tournaments, starting with the James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open, the world’s top 20 professionals and top 40 amateurs will qualify to participate in the Final over Leven’s Links in October.

To celebrate the launch of the tour, the World’s Top Hickory Golfers will congregate on a special day in golfing history, the 6^th February 2020, at Braid Hills Golf Course for the ‘IceBreaker’ James Braid’s 150^th Anniversary Hickory Open event. It is being played on this day in celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the birth of the famous golfer James Braid, five time Open Champion and Designer of over 400 Golf Courses in Scotland including: Brora, Bruntsfield, Dalmahoy, Gleneagles, Goodwood Downs,  Lundin Links, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, The Glen, Royal Musselburgh, Monktonhall, Walton Heath and many others.

The first match is being played over 9 holes at Braid Hills in memory of James Braid yet despite its name, this course was not designed by James Braid, rather, it is laid out over Braid Hill. The players then move on to the Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club in the afternoon for another 9 holes. The course was originally designed by Ben Sayers in 1907 and altered by James Braid in 1936. The course is challenging and fun, and will be a good test for players, including past World Hickory Open Winners Fraser Mann (Scotland) and Andrew Marshall (England).

To celebrate the commencement of the Tour, a first edition whisky, limited to 150 numbered bottles are being bottled by Hickory Forever and will be available to buy on February the 6th, 2020. To reserve one of the first 150 bottles, please get in touch via the Hickory Forever website.

Following on from the James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open, next on the Tour calendar will be the Jack’s Open Pro Am played over Musselburgh Golf Club and Royal Musselburgh on the 8^th and 9^th April.

To find out more about where each event will take place click on The Scottish Hickory Tour 2020

6th February 2020 – James Braid 150th Anniversary Hickory Open

8 & 9th April 2020 – Jack’s Open Pro Am

24 & 25 June 2020 – First Icelandic Hickory Open 2020

7 July 2020  – John Still Memorial Trophy

18 & 19 August 2020  – Highland Hickory Open

6 – 8 October 2020 – The Scottish Hickory Final

Instagram: ScottishHickoryTour

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Last year’s award winner Jack Percival from Chipstead Golf Club – who will scoop the 2020 prize when the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition is held in Harrogate from January 21-23?

FROM England’s south coast to the Perthshire hills, the finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2020 have once again shown what talented and passionate greenkeeping teams can achieve, when supported by the clubs where they work.

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition will be taking place once again at the Harrogate Convention Centre later this month.

More than 5,000 turf managers, greenkeepers, golf club owners and decision makers are expected to take part in the industry’s premier exhibition and educational programme.

The finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2020 are:–

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Rigby Taylor

• Craig Haldane and his team at Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Courses for hosting the 2019 Solheim Cup in September.
• Grant Peters and his team at Parkstone Golf Club for hosting the European Ladies Amateur Championship, at the Dorset Club, in July
• Graham Brumpton and his team at Ipswich Golf Club (Purdis Heath) for hosting the 2019 English Women’s Strokeplay, in Suffolk.

Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness and Kubota

• Darren Anderson and his team at Cheshire’s Bromborough Golf Club
• Master Greenkeeper Andrew Kerr and his team at Surrey’s Surbiton Golf Club
• Robert George and his team at Essex’s Thorndon Park Golf Club.

The winner of the Outstanding Contribution of the Year – sponsored by Jacobsen – will be revealed on the night.

One of the highlights each year is the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, sponsored for the first time in 2020 by Campey Turf Care Systems.

Taking place on the opening night of BTME – and hosted by respected journalist and golf enthusiast Naga Munchetty – the Welcome Celebration will reveal the winners of the prestigiouJs BIGGA Awards 2020.

Surrey greenkeeper Jack Percival was awarded the Outstanding Contribution of the Year for his work helping homeless in his borough.

Jack’s homeless initiative scoops prize at 2019 BIGGA Awards show

BIGGA chief executive Jim Croxton said: “Last year’s refreshed BIGGA Awards were an incredible success, with the story of our member Jack Percival – and his efforts to support the homeless in his home town – leading to a standing ovation, and bringing a fitting end to the Welcome Celebration.

“We thought it may be a tough act to follow. But I’m delighted that throughout the past year BIGGA members have once again redefined what it’s possible to achieve out on the course – and what it means to be part of the greenkeeping community.

“The nominations we received this year were of an incredibly high standard, and it’s testament to everyone who got involved that the judges had such a difficult decision in determining the finalists.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a BIGGA member or team of greenkeepers this year.

“I look forward to seeing each of the finalists at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, in Harrogate, for what promises to be a fantastic opening to our annual exhibition.”

BTME runs from Tuesday, January 21 to Thursday, January 23, with more than 150 exhibitors taking part.

There will be a range of new initiatives, such as the STRI Innovation Zone and the Green Room Podcast Live stage.

This year saw a record number of nominations, with teams recognised for their efforts by golf club managers, championship hosts and even representatives of the professional golf tours, in addition to their fellow BIGGA members.

•The BTME smartphone app is the comprehensive guide to the exhibition and is available to download now through the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can register online now for BTME or head to www.btme.org.uk for more information.

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Nicholas Colsearts has had three runner-up finishes since playing for the winning European Ryder Cup team in the miracle at Medinah seven years ago. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

NICOLAS Colsaerts will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Amundi Open de France after a Saturday round of 67 took him to 13-under, at Le Golf National.

The big-hitting Belgian claimed the last of his two European Tour titles in 2012, the same season he was part of the famous Miracle at Medinah when Europe came back from 10-4 down to win the Ryder Cup.

Colsaerts said: “I’m a bit on a mission. I have a lot to play for. It’s not like actually winning this tournament is at the forefront of my mind.

“I stil. have to play shots. It got a little bit easier at the end but it’s a difficult course to play. If you just lose a little bit of focus, which I think if I looked at the leaderboard and everything, I might do.

“I’m in control of a lot of things, my striking, my emotions, for whatever reason I can’t tell you. It would be amazing to win this thing.

“But like I said, if I stay away from thinking that, I think my chances will be a lot higher than if I see this thing right in front of me.”

Colsearts has had three second places since then and has finished inside the top 100 on the Race to Dubai Rankings every season, but is currently 114th and battling to keep his playing privileges.

South Africa’s George Coetzee’s round of 70 took him to 10-under, as he kept within touching distance of the lead despite a double bogey on the 13^th, which had followed a monster putt for birdie on the previous hole.

Coetzee, whose last win came in March 2018 in his native South Africa, said: “I was hoping it would continue but came to an abrupt halt on 13.

“Kind of the way I’ve been playing this week. It’s either hot off the blocks, or just hold on until you find something, and when you find something, just try and keep it.

“You’d think the putt on 12 was the best putt I hit today, but the putt on 13 for bogey was probably the best putt I hit.

“Because if I had not hit a good putt, I might have left myself a tester for about a double, probably would have been a triple.

“I’m reasonably happy getting out of that hole with a double. I guess I’ll have to play really good golf tomorrow.”

Jamie Donaldson is another Ryder Cup star battling to keep his card and the Welshman celebrated his birthday by  recording a 66 to sit one shot further back at nine-under alongside America’s Kurt Kitayama, who is seeking a third win of his rookie season on the European Tour.

Donaldson, who hit the winning putt at Gleneagles in 2014, said: “I played nicely most of the way.

“Very happy, being my birthday and all. You don’t really try to remember your birthday when you get to 40-plus, but yeah, a memorable day on my birthday.

“Just keep playing the way I’ve been playing the last three days, which is being aggressive. I’ve got a game plan, but I need to be pushing on to try to win the tournament.”

Kitayama, who is favourite to win the Siry Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award after his two wins in his first four months on tour, said: “I just didn’t make as many putts as I made the first two days.

“Still got plenty of opportunities. Just didn’t roll it well. I won’t think about it too much, just felt a little off today. Just look forward to tomorrow.

“I’m quite a few back, so going to have to stay a little aggressive and then, hopefully get off to a hot start, put on a little pressure early. See what happens.”

Dane Joachim B Hansen carded a remarkable 69 as he overcame a quintuple bogey nine on the 13th to get to eight-under alongside Ireland’s Gavin Moynihan and Scot Richie Ramsay.

Benjamin Hebert remains the leading French player at seven-under after rounds of 66, 71 and 69, alongside German Major winner Martin Kaymer and South African Brandon Stone.P

•For live scoring at Le Golf National click here.

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Norway’s Suzann Pettersen gives her son Herman a kiss after holing the winning putt in the Solheim Cup, before announcing her retirement at the age of 38. Picture by MARK RUNNACLES

SOLHEIM Cup winner Suzann Pettersen announced she is to retire for competitive golf after a sparkling professional career spanning two decades.

Moments after holing the birdie putt that secured Europe’s victory in the 16^th Solheim Cup, the 38-year-old Norwegian, confirmed she would be hanging up her clubs with immediate effect.

“That’s it, I’m done,” she said. “I’m closing it down tomorrow.

“I think it’s the perfect closure, there’s no better way to end my professional career. I never thought I was going to be here four months ago until I met Beany (Catriona Matthew).

“So, to end it this way, that’s very special,” said the two-time Major winer.

Pettersen bows out of professional golf having won 15 LPGA tour titles and seven on the Ladies European Tour.

This year marked her ninth appearance in the Solheim Cup, stretching back to 2002, during which she won 18 matches, tied third on the all-time European list alongside Matthew – behind only Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam.

Her most successful year came in 2013 when she won five tournaments around the world and posted an additional 11 top-10 finishes. She ended the year as World No. 2, just behind Inbee Park.

Suzann arrived at Gleneagles as one of Matthew’s captain’s picks having played just twice this season following the birth of her son, Herman, last September.

But that didn’t stop her combining with Anne Van Dam to beat Danielle Kang 4&2 before delivering the winning point against Marina Alex in the singles.

“It didn’t surprise me when Suzann holed that putt,” said US captain Juli Inkster. “It was great. I mean, I knew she knew the cup was on the line.

“And to go ahead and roll that putt in, that’s impressive. That’s why she’s Suzann,” added Inkster, who lost as captain for the first time in three Solheim Cups, having competed in nine as a player.

Pettersen also received a glowing tribute from teammate Anna Nordqvist.

“I think I’m speaking for everyone on this team,” Nordqvist said. “Suzann has been a big role model for all of those the last couple of years, more than that.

“I remember my first Solheim Cup in 2009, I got to play with a lot of my idols growing up.

“It was Laura Davies, Helen Alfredsson, it was Beany, it was Mimmi Hjorth and Suzann Pettersen.

“I got paired with Suzann in my second match and it was really cool. It was definitely one of the best highlights of my career.

“She’s going to be missed,” Nordqvist added. “She’s a rock star. She’s such a great character and a big role model for all of us.”

The post Suzann Pecks-her-son after winning Solheim Cup and then announces she’ll quit appeared first on Golf North.

AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Team Europe celebrate winning the Solheim Cup during the final day singles matches of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on September 15, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Sunday 15 September, 2019 – Europe won The Solheim Cup for the first time since 2013 after an incredible finish to the final day singles, which ended with Suzann Pettersen holing the decisive putt on the 18th green to send the thousands of fans into raptures.

Team USA looked set to retain the trophy when they needed a half point from any of the final three matches, but Europe won all of them to secure a sensational victory.

With Anna Nordqvist closing out a 4&3 win over Morgan Pressel and Bronte Law beating Ally McDonald 2&1 in the final two groups in the minutes preceding, Pettersen and Marina Alex were both on the 18^th green and with makeable putts for birdie.

Alex missed and Pettersen, one of Captain Catriona Matthew’s wildcard picks, stepped up and rolled in an eight-footer to give Europe the point they needed to get to the all-important 14½.

Team Europe went wild; the Americans were stunned.

All day the momentum swung either way, with Carlota Ciganda beating Danielle Kang on the last in the top group followed by Nelly Korda putting some red on the board with a two-hole win over Caroline Hedwall.

The next two points went to Europe, Georgia Hall defeating world number three Lexi Thompson and Celine Boutier seeing off Annie Park 2&1. Devastating as a pair, Hall and Boutier showed they could produce the goods individually too as both secured their fourth point from four matches this week.

The middle order matches all went America’s way and put them on the brink of a triumph which would have been Juli Inkster’s third in a row as Captain. First Angel Yin beat Azahara Munoz in the fifth match, then Meghan Khang won the 18^th hole to claim a half from Charley Hull.

Next up was Lizette Salas who downed Anne Van Dam by one hole, and there were easy wins for Jessica Korda, 3&2 against Caroline Masson, and Brittany Altomare, 5&4 over Jodi Ewart Shadoff.

Team USA, on 13½ points, were preparing to pop the champagne corks on the 18^th green, but a dramatic finish then ensued as the final three Europeans completed a remarkable comeback.

Pettersen, whose selection by Matthew last month raised eyebrows because of her lack of competitive action since having her son at the end of 2017, struggled to hold in the emotion after winning the Solheim Cup for her team.

“Can you ask for more?” she said.  “The last putt to win the Cup, when it’s that close? History was just made, to win here in front of the Scottish crowd, to be here most of all. I could never in a million years dream of this.

“I mean, to hole the winning putt, to win the Cup. Nothing beats The Solheim Cup in my career.

“I honestly didn’t know when I stood over the putt that that was to win it. It was left centre and I couldn’t have hit it any better. I’m on the best team ever.”

USA Captain Juli Inkster was philosophical after the narrow defeat, saying: “The Europeans played great. You tip your hat.

“We had a few tears. And I said it’s okay. But the bottom line is we had a great week, the Europeans played great and we’re going to have a great party.

“The sun’s going to come up tomorrow. This will give them the fuel and fire for another two years to work at their game, to be on that team, to try to get that Cup back. I just said, ‘Hold your heads up because you should not be disappointed’.”

The post Europe Win 2019 Solheim Cup In Scotland appeared first on Golf North.

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen (left) and Holland’s Anne Van Dam walk off the seventh green during Friday afternoon foursomes against the USA. Picture by MATTHEW LEWIS

EUROPE will take a narrow one point lead into the second day of the 16^th Solheim Cup at the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles.

The home team are 4½-3½ in front heading into the second series of foursomes and fourballs.

But it is the American team who have momentum on their side after a dramatic finish to the day in which they came from behind to salvage halves in both of the last two fourball matches.

The home side took a slender 2½-1½ lead into the fourballs. But it disappeared when in the second match on the course Ally McDonald and Angel Yin – both left out of the morning foursomes – took just 13 holes to beat Swedish duo Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Hedwall 7&5.

The Americans good off to a fast start with birdies at the first three holes and they also birdied the fifth, ninth, 10th and 11th to increase that advantage to seven.

Nordqvist did get one hole back with a birdie at the 12^th before McDonald, a late replacement for the injured Stacy Lewis, closed out the match with a par on the next.

The 7&5 score tied the record for the biggest margin of victory in a Solheim Cup fourball, set by one of this year’s US vice-captains – Pat Hurst – and her partner Rosie Jones in their match against Lisa Hall and Sophie Gustafson, at Muirfield Village, in 1998.

“That was the year I was born,” laughed a delighted Yin. “I would say we’re ham and eggs.

“We’ve always got each other’s back, no matter what, and we work together as a team, communicate well. We’re just such a good pairing.”

Her partner McDonald added: “When Juli called me in to replace Stacy, I knew it could go either way, so to be able to go into my first match and get a point for the US means a lot.”

The USA won the first fourball series 4-0 two years ago in Iowa.

But any hopes they had of replicating that feat disappeared when the veteran Swede, Suzann Pettersen, and the rookie Dutchwoman, Anne Van Dam, beat Danielle Kang and Lizette Salas 4&2.

It was a significant win for Pettersen because it was her ninth Solheim Cup fourball victory, tying the European record, held by Laura Davies.

“I just want to say I had the best partner in the world,” said the Norwegian.

“I told you we don’t have any rookie on the team. I mean, this girl, I think she’s the best golfer I’ve ever seen on the women’s side. Today, she was an absolute rock star.”

Van Dam added: “Walking through that tunnel, especially to play with Suzann, who has been my idol growing up, for her to say, ‘Let’s enjoy this,’ that is what I was going to do.

“I was just hitting it solid from the beginning. It is not an easy golf course.

“Even from the tee you have to hit it in the fairway. If I hit it in the rough I lose my advantage a little bit from the tee, but it was great.

“I’m happy I played well and I was happy and comfortable around Suzann.”

At that stage, the Europeans were one point clear of the Americans.

And that is how it remained when Lexi Thompson holed a curling 25-foot birdie putt across the last green to secure a halve for her and partner Jessica Korda against Bronte Law and Carlota Ciganda.

Then, in the final match, and with the sun starting to set at the end of a long but riveting day, the Europeans, Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz, also lost the last to a birdie to tie their match with Nelly Korda and Brittany Altomare.

The Europeans had been four up with five to play. This time it was rookie Altomare who did the damage, also holing out from long range to keep her side within one point of their rivals.

“Those two half points at the end of the day were huge,” said US captain Juli Inkster.

European captain, Catriona Matthew at the 10th tee during Friday morning foursomes. Picture by MARK RUNNACLES

“For two rookies (Nelly Korda and Altomare) to be four down with five holes left and come back and tie, you can’t teach that.

“It’s just in your belly. I’m just so impressed with them. It was a great end to the day.”

European captain Catriona Matthew said: “Obviously, we got off to a great start in the foursomes. Our objective was to win every session.

“The finish wasn’t what we were looking for, everyone’s a little disappointed with that, but I think you have to take the positives.

“We’re leading. We’re a point up. If we’re leading at the end of each day, that would be great.”

Matthew sticks with three pairings

CATRIONA MATTHEW has named three unchanged pairs for the second series of Solheim Cup foursomes.

The Scot brings back Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier and Charlie Hull and Azahara Munoz after both pairs won on the first morning.

Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law also return after halving their first foursomes match. The newcomers are Anna Nordqvist and Anne Van Dam.

The American captain Juli Inkster has rung the changes in an effort to make up the 4½-3½ overnight deficit.

She has given a second foursomes start to sisters Jessica and Nelly Korda who won on the first morning and also Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex who supplied a half point against Ciganda and Law.

The new American pairings are Lizette Salas and Ally McDonald and Danielle Kang and Megan Khang.

The first match on the course at 8.10am will feature Nordqvist and Van Dam against Pressel and Alex.

They are followed by Hall and Boutier against Salas and McDonald at 8.22am, Hull and Munoz against Kang and Khang at 8.34am and Ciganda and Law against the Korda sisters at 8.46am.

For live scoring from day two click here.

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