Team Europe’s Solheim Cup Triumph (& 5 Other Takeaways)

This past Monday, in Toledo, Ohio, Team Europe produced a stunning performance to retain the Solheim Cup and secure only their second win on US soil in the contest's history.

By going back-to-back in the most prestiguous team event in the women's game, it left Pat Hurst's US side with more questions than answers as they search for the formula to avoid a hat-trick of defeats in 2023 in the Costa del Sol.

To help round off events at Inverness Golf Club, we've pulled together our standout takeaways. Check them out below.

Team Europe: 2021 Solheim Cup champions

For the fourth time in the last six editions, Team Europe has won the Solheim Cup.

After building a comfortable lead in Saturday's morning foursomes, Catriona Matthew's side carried a two point lead into Monday's singles match-ups. The cushion proved decisive as the Europeans emerged victorious by 15-13 and kept the trophy in European hands for two more years.

Rookie Matilda Carsten holed the retaining putt from around 8-feet and won the praise of captain and fellow players alike for an impressive all-round performance.

We loved watching the players draped in their national flags, bouncing around and being showered in French fizz during the victory celebrations 🍾 Well done, ladies!

Leona Maguire: Europe’s MVP

Ireland's Leona Maguire had a Solheim Cup debut to remember as she became the first rookie to bring home 4.5 points - a haul which saw her finish as top scorer over the three days of play.

In Monday's singles she made light work of Jennifer Kupcho, securing her point on the 14th green before switching roles to lead cheerleader.

Her support, and that of a small contingent of impassioned fans, helped Europe through  Team USA's mini-revival and all the way to victory.

The US captain acknowledged Maguire's performance and her undoubted talent, accepting that the current world number 43 will be a feature of many Solheim Cups to come.

She's the one we're going to have to fear, like I said, for a long time. Pat Hurst, Team USA captain.

Team USA left to rue poor start

American captain Pat Hurst reflected back upon her side's defeat and accepted that their 0.5 point return from the morning foursomes on Saturday was the main cause of their downfall.

In her media appearances after the event, Hurst accepted that they "...got behind the 8-ball in the very first fourballs".

And so it remained throughout the tournament as Team Europe never once released their grip on the lead.

As another team event passes, we have further proof that an arguably stronger team on paper can be overcome by a united front of togetherness and mental fortitude.

Team USA were always playing catch-up and ultimately their late rally - though commendable as it was - proved too little too late.

Matthew makes history, bows out

It was awesome watching the European team and its small band of supporters celebrating together and chanting 'We love you, Beany, we do'.

It was fitting recognition of captain Catriona Matthew's historic back-to-back wins as a European Solheim Cup captain.

Despite the outpouring of love and respect for 'Beany', she hands the torch over after confirming that the squad for 2023 in the Costa Del Sol will be headed up by a new captain.

Next up: Costa del Sol 2023

Pat Hurst has stated that she would love another crack at leading out the Americans in the Solheim Cup, with the next edition of the biennial event taking place in 2023 at the stunning Finca Cortesin in Andalucía, Spain.

If that were to happen, she would have the mighty task of trying to avoid Team USA suffering a hat-trick of defeats at the hands of a European team riding the crest of a wave.

We have two years to wait, but, as far as we're concerned, it can't come around quickly enough!

Can Harrington's men follow suit?

The European women have laid out the perfect blueprint for success against a much-fancied US team on home soil. Now the focus switches to the Ryder Cup to see whether the men can follow suit at Whistling Straits.

Steve Stricker's Team USA will be out to avenge their miserable 10.5 - 17.5 defeat at Le Golf National back in 2018. As was the case at the Solheim Cup, this year's American side are big favourites to prevail given the depth of talent in their ranks.

Padraig Harrington's men won't be fazed though. They will know they have the mental edge and will be determined to win on US soil for the first time since the 'Miracle of Medinah' back in 2012.

Excited yet?

From everyone at Hole19 HQ, massive congratulations once again to Team Europe on their stunning 2021 Solheim Cup win 👏