The United States kicked off the 2024 Solheim Cup with a commanding performance, securing a 6-2 lead over Europe—the largest day-one advantage in Solheim Cup history. Leading the charge for the U.S. was world No. 1-ranked golfer, Nelly Korda.
Korda showcased her exceptional form on Friday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. She and her partner, Megan Khang, delivered a dominant 6-and-4 victory over Europe’s Georgia Hall and Leona Maguire in the morning fourball session. Korda then teamed up with Allisen Corpuz in the afternoon foursomes to defeat Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit 3-and-2.
Rookies Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel also made a significant impact, contributing two points for the U.S. by winning both of their matches together, marking a strong start for the first-time Solheim Cup participants.
The U.S. is looking to reclaim the Solheim Cup after losing to Europe in both 2019 and 2021 and tying 14–14 in 2023. The competition continues Saturday with four more foursome and fourball matches, before culminating with 12 singles matches on Sunday.