Leona Maguire loses singles match but Europe win back Solheim Cup

Eyebrows were raised when Anna Nordqvist somewhat abruptly announced her retirement from competitive golf last month at the age of just 39. Heads were turned when Nordqvist kept Solheim Cup faith with the pairing of Charley Hull and Lottie Woad despite a miserable points return in the Netherlands.

Nordqvist sounded unsure about elements of the Solheim Cup’s captains agreement before a ball was whacked in anger. The last laugh belongs to Nordqvist herself, who can sail off into the sunset having added a triumphant Solheim Cup captaincy to a career that had already returned three Major wins.

What a rousing afternoon this soon became for women’s golf in Europe. The understated Nordqvist was on the podium once more.