Europe retains Solheim Cup to top U.S. for 3rd straight time - ESPN

ANDALUSIA, Spain — If Hollywood screenwriters weren't on strike, they couldn't have written a better ending for the European team in Sunday's final session of the 18th Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin.

Spain's Carlota Ciganda, the homegrown hero, was tied with American superstar Nelly Korda with three holes to play. The score was tied 13-13. The European team had won the past two Solheim Cups and needed a single point to ensure a tie, which would allow it to retain the trophy.

Korda, the second-highest-ranked American golfer in the world, had trailed Ciganda by 3 after eight holes. But Korda rallied back and tied the match with a par on the 15th. But then on the par-4 16th, Korda pushed a short par putt and missed. Ciganda made her putt and took a 1-shot lead with two holes left.

On the par-3 17th, Ciganda knocked her tee shot to about 2 feet. Korda's shot was long and settled on the fringe at the back of the green. Korda nearly made a long birdie putt but settled for par.

With much of Spain watching, Ciganda knocked in her putt and threw down her putter. Her 2-and-1 victory gave the Europeans a 14-13 lead. She was swarmed on the 17th green by her teammates after securing the point that ensured the European team would retain the Solheim Cup for another year.

Ciganda, 33, grew up in Pamplona, Spain. She played collegiately at Arizona State and has won twice on the LPGA Tour and seven times on the Ladies European Tour. The biggest moment of her career came on Sunday. She was the only player to earn four points and go 4-0-0 this week.

«I don't have many feelings right now,» Ciganda said. «I'm so happy just to do this for [captain] Suzann [Pettersen] and for Spain. I'm just so proud. I'm just so happy. Everyone here is a