A rare split opening session at the Solheim Cup Friday was highlighted by another convincing victory of the Americans Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz, who became the first partnership to win five consecutive matches in the history of the event.
They made history by beating Europe’s top-ranked duo, Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, 4 and 3, in the first foursomes (alternate shot) match of the day at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.
The Americans won the first two games, but Europe won the last two for the morning split. It is only the third time in Solheim Cup history that the teams have been tied after the first session.
After Korda and Corpuz won, Americans Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin followed with a 3 and 2 victory over Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Celine Boutier. Europe won the last two with Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire beating Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2, and Maja Stark and Linn Grant beating Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho 3 and 2.
“Really happy with it,” said American captain Angela Stanford. “First session away from home, two points on the board, really happy with the way we played and really happy with what we did out there. I fought until the end with the last two games, so I like where we are.”
As for Korda and Corpuz, they haven’t just won en route to a 5-0 record in the last three Solheim Cups, they’ve mostly dominated. They were paired together for both foursomes matches in 2023 and again in 2024. They won two of those matches 1 up, another 3 and 1, and a fourth 5 and 3.
“I love playing with her so much,” Korda said. “We have a lot of fun out here. Our caddies have so much fun out there. She’s just such a solid player. It’s really good to see confidence in her and it’s fun too.”
The Americans lost the first hole on Friday, but won the second and then rattled off three straight wins on numbers 6-8 to take control.
“I always joke to Nelly, like, it’s so nice to be 30 yards ahead of where I would be on my own drive, it just makes the hole so much easier,” Corpuz said. “It’s so much fun out there.”
The opening day of the Solheim Cup continues with four four-ball matches, all broadcast on Golf Channel. Pairings and departure times are below.
Friday Four-Ball Matches / Golf Channel (ET)
7:05 am – Charley Hull / Lottie Woad (Europe) vs Yealimi Noh / Angel Yin (USA)
7:20 am – Celine Boutier / Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Europe) vs Megan Khang / Alison Lee (USA)
7:35 am – Mimi Rhodes/Natasia Nadaud (Europe) vs. Allisen Corpuz/Auston Kim (USA)
7:50 am – Carlota Ciganda/Julia Lopez Ramriez (Europe) vs Nelly Korda/Lauren Coughlin (USA)
