Carlota Ciganda holed a pressure putt for par to earn Europe an unlikely half on the opening day of the 2026 Solheim Cup, with the teams tied at 4-4 after Lauren Coughlin narrowly missed to win the point for the United States.
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Key facts
- Carlota Ciganda sank a pressure putt for par to secure Europe a half.
- Lauren Coughlin narrowly missed the chance to earn the US a full point.
- Scores are locked at 4-4 after day one of the 2026 Solheim Cup.
- The half came in dramatic fashion on the final hole.
The opening day of the 2026 Solheim Cup ended in dramatic fashion, with Europe salvaging a half in a tense final-hole finish to leave the contest level at 4-4, according to the BBC.
The pivotal moment came from Carlota Ciganda, who holed a pressure putt for par to earn Europe an unlikely half. The result denied the United States a point that had appeared within their grasp.
On the American side, Lauren Coughlin narrowly missed the chance to earn the US a full point, according to the BBC. Her miss opened the door for Ciganda’s clutch effort.
With the scores locked at 4-4 following day one, the two teams head into the remainder of the competition all square, setting up a closely contested event.
The tight margins on the final hole underlined the fine lines that often decide Solheim Cup matches, where individual putts can swing the balance between the two teams.
Why it matters
The Solheim Cup is one of the marquee events in women's golf, pitting the best players from Europe and the United States against each other. A level 4-4 scoreline after day one means the contest remains wide open, heightening the stakes for the days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score after day one of the 2026 Solheim Cup?
The scores were locked at 4-4 after the opening day, according to the BBC.
How did Europe earn their half on the final hole?
Carlota Ciganda sank a pressure putt for par to earn Europe an unlikely half.
Who missed the chance to win the point for the United States?
Lauren Coughlin narrowly missed the chance to earn the US a full point, according to the BBC.
Timeline
- Europe rescue half as US falter in final hole drama
BBC Sport: Carlota Ciganda's pressure putt for par earns Europe an unlikely half after Lauren Coughlin narrowly missed the chance to earn the US a point, with scores locked at 4-4 following day one of the 2026 Solheim Cup.