The Solheim Cup’s propensity to deliver drama remains its most endearing attribute. There was European rage in 2000 as Annika Sörenstam was accused of playing out of turn at Loch Lomond. Alison Lee was reduced to tears after an infamous clash with Suzann Pettersen in 2015. Madelene Sagström was in the same condition after picking up Nelly Korda’s ball, too quickly, six years later. In 2013, an epic row broke out over a European penalty drop. Golf’s routinely anodyne world changes tack at Solheim Cups.
Wednesday saw the latest example of friction. Stacy Lewis, the US captain, referred to “issues” with the European base, a house that backs on to the practice range. “Their team room kind of exploded on to the driving range a little bit,” said Lewis. “But we reeled it in. It’s all good. We adjusted the way the range was set up a little bit and moved the US team further down so Europe could do what they wanted basically.
