Lexi Thompson rallied from a four-hole deficit to halve her leadoff match against Anna Nordqvist, and from there Team U.S.A. had too much mojo for Europe to overcome, as the Red White and Blue cruised to a 16.5 – 11.5 win at Des Moines Golf and Country Club to capture the 2017 Solheim Cup

 
“I don’t really know what was going on my first few holes. But I just tried to stay in it,” said Thompson, who finished 2-0-2 for the USA. “I had nothing to lose going into that back nine and just went for every pin. And hearing the crowds cheer for me definitely helped in between holes as well.”

After Thompson’s come from behind effort, the fans and players could sense the pending victory, and for the next several hours the atmosphere was like one big Fourth of July party.

Veterans Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer had the Iowa galleries going bonkers as the two fan favorites marched to key victories, while engaging the crowd with every hole won.

Another veteran, Gerina Piller, kept the momentum going with a birdie putt that put her match at dormie with three to play. She went on to win the next hole and her match, 4 and 2.

Lizette Salas had a 1-up victory over Jodi Ewart Shadoff to officially seal the deal for Team USA.

 
“They just bonded. They believed in each other. They played for the person behind them and in front of them. And they played some amazing golf,” said Juli Inkster.

The five-point victory margin is the USA’s largest win since 1996, and it now links USA Captain Juli Inkster with legendary Judy Rankin as the only women to lead two victorious Solheim Cup Teams.

SUNDAY SINGLES MATCHES

Anna Nordqvist (EUR) halved with Lexi Thompson (USA)
Paula Creamer (USA) def. Georgia Hall (EUR), 1 up
Cristie Kerr (USA) def. Mel Reid (EUR), 2 and 1
Catriona Matthew (EUR) def. Stacy Lewis (USA), 1 up
Karine Icher (EUR) halved with Angel Yin (USA)
Caroline Masson (EUR) def. Michelle Wie (USA), 4 and 2
Lizette Salas (USA) def. Jodi Ewart Shadoff (EUR), 1 up
Charley Hull (EUR) def. Brittany Lang (USA), 1 up
Carlota Ciganda (EUR) def. Brittany Lincicome (USA), 4 and 3
Gerina Piller (USA) def. Florentyna Parker (EUR), 4 and 2
Madelene Sagstrom (EUR) def. Austin Ernst (USA), 3 and 2
Danielle Kang (USA) def. Emily Pedersen (EUR), 3 and 1