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 session. Their 4&3 triumph not only secured a vital point for Team USA but also set several new records, underscoring the growing chemistry between the two Americans.
The match began at Bernardus Golf with Hull and Woad taking an early lead by winning the first hole, thanks to a well‑timed birdie from Woad. However, Korda and Corpuz quickly found their rhythm, recovering from the initial setback and stringing together a series of pars and timely birdies.
By the sixth hole, the American duo had seized momentum, winning three consecutive holes and establishing a decisive lead that Hull and Woad could not overturn. The victory was historic for two reasons. First, Korda and Corpuz became the first American pair ever to accumulate five foursomes wins together in Solheim Cup history. Second, they joined an elite group—spanning both sides of the Atlantic—who have recorded five straight foursomes victories in the competition.
Their combined total of 5 points now surpasses the previous American record of 4.5 points set by Dottie Pepper and Brandie Burton, while Korda’s personal tally of seven career foursomes points ranks as the third‑highest in Team USA history. After the opening match, the rest of the day’s play continued to be fiercely contested despite intermittent rain. In the second match, Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin rallied from behind to defeat Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen and France’s Celine Boutier 3‑2.
Their comeback helped Team USA extend its lead, showcasing the depth of the American roster. On the European side, the Swedish pair of Maja Stark and Linn Grant secured the first point for Team Europe by beating the American duo of Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho 3&2. Their strong play was highlighted by Grant’s dramatic bunker shot on the ninth hole, which preserved a four‑hole advantage and set the tone for the remainder of the match. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Leona Maguire and Germany’s Esther Henseleit edged out Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2‑up, delivering the third and final point of the session.
Maguire’s performance was particularly noteworthy; she has amassed 9.5 points from 13 Solheim Cup appearances, the highest points‑per‑match percentage among European players with at least ten matches. She credited her success to the quality of her partners and the supportive atmosphere created by enthusiastic crowds waving Irish and German flags, even as the weather turned bleak. Team USA captain Angela Stanford’s decision to start Korda and Corpuz proved prescient.
The pair had already demonstrated flawless teamwork in the 2023 and 2024 editions, and they repeated that success on Friday. After Woad’s early birdie, the Americans responded with a series of steady pars, and when the front nine stalled, they regained momentum with two crucial birdies that swung the match decisively in their favor. Reflecting on the loss, Woad admitted that a loss of momentum after the front nine made it difficult to recover: “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.” Hull, who had previously bested Korda twice in Solheim Cup play—including a dominant 6&4 singles win two years earlier—was unable to replicate that form, highlighting the unpredictable nature of match‑play golf. Korda expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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 camaraderie and mutual trust were evident throughout the round, as they consistently set up each other for birdie opportunities while minimizing mistakes. The afternoon four‑ball matches promise to be equally compelling, with both teams eager to either solidify their early advantage or claw back into contention. As the Solheim Cup moves into its second day, the narrative will focus on whether Europe can capitalize on the momentum generated by Stark, Grant, Maguire, and Henseleit, or if the United States will continue to ride the wave created by Korda, Corpuz, Lee, and Coughlin. Fans worldwide can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage set to resume Saturday at 6 a.m.
on Sky Sports Golf. For those unable to watch via traditional broadcast, streaming options are available through NOW without a contract, ensuring that the excitement of the Solheim Cup remains accessible to a global audience. The competition, now delicately balanced after a tied opening session, underscores the depth of talent on both sides and the importance of teamwork in this prestigious biennial event.
As the weather clears and the players settle into the next format, every shot will be scrutinized, and every partnership will be tested, making the remainder of the tournament a must‑watch showcase of elite women’s golf.