Americans lead Solheim Cup 5.5-2.5 after dominating Europe on day one
Defending champions the United States made a strong start against Europe in the Solheim Cup, taking a 5.5-2.5 lead in Iowa.
After consecutive Solheim Cup defeats to Europe, USA won the biennial women's tournament in Germany two years ago.
The Americans moved a step closer to defending their crown thanks to a clean sweep of Friday's four-balls at Des Moines Golf and Country Club.
Europe – led by captain Annika Sorenstam – started strong by edging the morning foursomes 2.5-1.5 thanks to Anna Nordqvist/Georgia Hall (3 and 1 against Paula Creamer/Austin Ernst) and Karine Icher/Catriona Matthew (1up over Stacy Lewis/Gerina Piller).
Americans sweep afternoon four-balls to lead #SolheimCup2017!
— #SolheimCup2017 (@LPGA) August 19, 2017
Recap by @Josh_Carr95
>> https://t.co/GdMh7MyPt9 pic.twitter.com/fOQBVaBqBy
Danielle Kang and Lizette Lalas had gone 1up against Carlota Ciganda and Caroline Masson, while Melissa Reid/Charley Hull versus Cristie Kerr/Lexi Thompson was halved.
That is as good as it got for the Europeans as Team USA dominated the four-balls in front of their home fans.
USA USA USA!!!@Stacy_Lewis & @Gerinapiller lock in the USA afternoon SWEEP! #SolheimCup2017 pic.twitter.com/zrpJf1P9h0
— #SolheimCup2017 (@LPGA) August 19, 2017
There was no blue on the scoreboard as Michelle Wie/Kang (3 and 1), Angel Yin/Lalas (6 and 5), Brittany Lincicome/Brittany Lang (3 and 2) and Lewis/Piller (2 and 1) all triumphed.