Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz etched their names into Solheim Cup lore on Friday by delivering a commanding performance against Charley Hull and Lottie Woad in the opening foursomes match. Their 4&3 triumph not only secured a vital point for Team USA but also marked a historic milestone: the duo became the first American pair ever to amass five consecutive foursomes victories in Solheim Cup play, and the first partnership from either side to win five straight matches overall.
Hull entered the match with a strong résumé against Korda, having won two of her three previous Solheim Cup encounters with the American, including a decisive 6&4 singles win two years earlier. Nevertheless, the Englishwoman and her partner Woad found themselves on the back foot from the outset at Bernardus Golf. After a birdie by Woad on the first hole gave Europe an early lead, Korda and Corpuz quickly recovered from the loss of that opening hole.
They seized momentum on the sixth, seventh, and eighth holes, stringing together three consecutive wins that swung the match firmly in their favor. The American pair’s relentless pressure continued through the middle of the round. Although the fifth hole—a par‑five—offered a potential swing, neither side could capitalize, and the match remained tightly contested. From the sixth hole onward, however, Korda and Corpuz began to dominate, capitalizing on missed opportunities from Hull and Woad and adding a series of birdies that widened the gap.
By the time they reached the 12th and 13th holes, pars were sufficient to maintain their advantage, while Woad’s birdie on the 14th briefly narrowed the deficit. Korda’s steady play on the 15th, a short par‑three, sealed the victory and cemented the record‑breaking achievement. In her post‑match comments, Woad reflected on the shift in momentum: "We just lost a bit of momentum at the end of the front nine.
They made a couple of birdies and we missed some good chances. Once you lose momentum, it can be tough to come back." The sentiment underscored the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in elite match play. Korda, visibly pleased, praised her partner: "I enjoy playing with her [Corpuz] so much. We have a lot of fun out there.
She's just such a solid player. It's really good to rely on her and it's also fun." Their chemistry had already been proven in previous Solheim Cups, having won all their foursomes outings together in both 2023 and 2024, a trend that continued unabated on this occasion.
The broader session was equally dramatic. Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin rallied from behind to defeat Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Celine Boutier 3‑2, delivering another point for the United States and pushing the overall tally to a delicate 2‑2 tie after the morning’s rain‑soaked play. Meanwhile, Sweden’s formidable duo of Maja Stark and Linn Grant secured Europe’s first point of the day by beating Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho 3&2, showcasing the depth of talent on the European side. Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit edged out Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2‑up, completing a hard‑fought win that left the opening session level for only the third time in Solheim Cup history.
Maguire’s performance was particularly noteworthy; she now holds 9.5 points from 13 Solheim Cup matches, the highest points‑per‑match percentage among European players with at least ten appearances. "I’ve been very fortunate to have great partners," Maguire said.
"A lot of those points have come from foursomes and four‑ball matches." The atmosphere at Bernardus was electric, with a sea of Irish and German flags waving as the weather turned brisk and damp. Players on both sides noted how the supportive crowds lifted their spirits during the challenging conditions. "We had incredible support out here. There were a lot of Irish flags and German flags and they were really spurring us on, especially when the weather got bad and miserable!" Maguire added.
Team USA captain Angela Stanford’s decision to open with Korda and Corpuz proved prescient. Their flawless execution set the tone for the United States, establishing a psychological edge that could prove decisive as the competition moves into the four‑ball matches later in the day. The record they shattered—previously held by Dottie Pepper and Brandie Burton, who accumulated 4.5 points as a pair—now stands at five points, underscoring the magnitude of their achievement. Looking ahead, the Solheim Cup remains finely balanced.
With both teams having secured two points each in the morning, the afternoon’s four‑ball sessions will be crucial in determining which side can build a sustainable lead. Fans worldwide can continue to follow the drama live on Sky Sports, with coverage slated to resume early Saturday morning. The tournament’s narrative—filled with historic milestones, individual brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of a coveted trophy—continues to captivate golf enthusiasts across the globe.