Golf World Reacts to Historic and Confusing Solheim Cup Tie

The Solheim Cup ended in a tie for the first time, and social media had some opinions.

History was made at the Solheim Cup on Sunday in Andalucia, Spain, but not because of a landslide victory or a crushing defeat. At the end of the three-day competition between the U.S. and Europe, the two teams settled on a 14-14 point tie. 

Although the result meant that Europe would retain possession of the Cup, American captain Stacy Lewis maintained that the final score wasn’t a loss. To win the competition, the U.S. team would have needed 14.5 points. 

“I don't want to sound like a sore loser, but it was a tie,” Lewis said. “I think that's a lot for this team to build off of, especially coming over here, coming into this environment with five rookies, a very young and inexperienced team, I mean, this week was really, really good for them.”

The Europeans, on the other hand, celebrated the retainment like they would a victory. The 12-woman team fought back from a 4-0 deficit in Friday morning’s opening foursomes session to maintain possession of the Cup.

Naturally, social media had some thoughts on the unusual and historic result. Many were not only confused by possibility of a tie, but even questioned the way the team event is designed. 

LPGA players like Jessica Korda, Austin Ernst and Hall of Famer Dottie Pepper even chimed in on X (formerly Twitter).

Check out some of the comments that poured in after the fascinating Solheim Cup result. 

💯 https://t.co/UHiaGDgoT9

— Jessica Korda (@Thejessicakorda) September 24, 2023

Confused by a tie in the @TheSolheimCup (or any other team matches, for that matter)? The solution is simple: the holder of the Cup begins the week with a 1/2 point advantage.

— Dottie Pepper (@dottie_pepper) September 24, 2023

It's a win and a tie all at the same time. Kinda strange.

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 24, 2023

We all know the rules of these things, but I do wish they would come up with a tiebreaker for the overall. Something like pick two players from each side, and they play alternate shot until there's a winner.

— Ryan Ballengee (@RyanBallengee) September 24, 2023

Ban ties.

Let each captain pick a player from the *other* team to go play a 9-hole match for the Cup.

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 24, 2023

Could really use a change to a playoff at the Solheim Cup implemented immediately

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 24, 2023

Because they didn’t win. It was a tie. The “reigning champs retain the Cup in case of a tie” rule is in place because of TV windows and other arbitrary stuff—I agree with him that they shouldn’t have celebrated as if it was over until it was really over. https://t.co/pHG9mrEO7A

— Stina Sternberg (@StinaSternberg) September 24, 2023

Phenomenal Solheim Cup. Enjoyed every minute of it. But in my humblest of humble opinions, the “Retain” needs to go in all of these competitions. Send out all 12 from both sides go play one par 3. Total strokes wins.

— John Wood (@Johnwould) September 24, 2023

Many—including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and U.S. Ryder Cup team member Justin Thomas—also took to social media to congratulate the Europeans for holding on to the Cup and acknowledge the proper fight from the Americans. 

A couple of daggers from Carlota to turn her match around on 16 & 17. What a performance from @SolheimCupEuro & @suzannpettersen to retain the Cup 🏆
Well done ladies 🇪🇺💙💛👏🏼

— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) September 24, 2023

What an incredible performance from 4 points down by @suzannpettersen and her team @TheSolheimCup Particularly brilliant by Caroline Hedwall and @carlotagolf to turn their matches at the end with some great play.

— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) September 24, 2023

Unbelievable finish at @TheSolheimCup. Those clutch shots by @carlotagolf were amazing. Loved to see @Lexi go out and play great today in the anchor match.
Extremely proud and happy for @CKnightGolf33
and her great play this week. Repping @AlabamaWGolf!

— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) September 24, 2023