Final-Day Blitz Wins Solheim for Europe

Europe’s best women golfers, decided underdogs against a team of the best players from the United States, won the Solheim Cup in convincing fashion Sunday, taking seven of 10 singles matches on the final day at Edinburgh, Scotland.

Led by Laura Davies, who won every match she played in the three-day tournament, the Europeans won, 11 1/2-6 1/2, on the rain-soaked Dalmahoy East course. It was a dramatic turnaround from two years ago in Lake Nona, Fla., when the Americans won, 11 1/2-4 1/2.

“They are probably in a state of shock at the moment,” said European captain Mickey Walker, whose squad started the day one point ahead and piled on the pressure by taking the first three singles matches.

Davies beat Brandie Burton, 4 and 2; Helen Alfredsson of Sweden beat Danielle Ammaccapane, 4 and 3; and Trish Johnson of England beat Patty Sheehan, 2 and 1.

Juli Inkster, Beth Daniel and Deb Richard were the only U.S winners. The losers also included LPGA money leader Dottie Mochrie, Hall of Famer Pat Bradley, Betsy King and Meg Mallon.

“I thought the United States team would have an advantage, but the slow greens helped the European team,” said Alice Miller, captain of the U.S. team in place of Kathy Whitworth, who was called home because of the death of her mother. “But it’s great for golf. They have the Solheim Cup. Europe played better.”

The Solheim Cup is the women’s equivalent of the men’s Ryder Cup.