Korda sisters dominate, but Europe takes Solheim Cup lead early on Friday

The 2019 Solheim Cup got underway early Friday morning at Gleneagles in Scotland, and it’s already shaping up to be a closely-contested event. While both teams got their hits in, Team Europe ended the session with a 2.5-1.5 lead. However, it was the American team of Jessica and Nelly Korda set the tone for the day with a dominant performance.

The two sisters, who both star on the LPGA Tour, faced off against the European team of Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff in one of four foursomes matches on Friday. The Kordas got off to a quick start by winning the first two holes, then won three more to mount a huge 5 up lead through just seven holes.

Masson and Shadoff got one shot back with their first win of the match at 8, but they would return to 5 down with a concession at 9. Another bounce back came at 12, but with a birdie at the par-4 15th the Korda sisters finished off their impressive 6&4 victory to earn a full point for the U.S.

The second foursomes match to finish, however, went in favor of the Europeans. Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier defeated the American team of Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomare 2&1, though it would have been worse if not for two late wins at 14 and 16 that extended the match for the U.S.

In the first contest of the day, Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex fought back from an early 2 down deficit to halve their match with Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law.

The final match to finish Friday morning was a tense affair. The American team of Megan Khang and Annie Park traded wins with Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz all round. The match was AS through 12, but the Europeans were able to win holes 13 and 17 to eek out a 2&1 win.

With the first session complete, the teams will reset before beginning the afternoon fourballs session at Gleneagles, where four more points will be up for grabs.

To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here.