Europe seized control of the 2026 Solheim Cup on Saturday morning, winning three of four foursomes matches at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands to move ahead of the United States, 7-5. The teams had entered the day tied at 4-4 after both Friday sessions ended 2-2, only the second time in Solheim Cup history the competition had been level after the opening day.
Maja Stark and Linn Grant delivered the biggest result of the morning, defeating Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz. The American pair had been 5-0 together in Solheim Cup foursomes before Saturday. Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit added a 1-up victory over Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho, winning the final hole after the Americans bogeyed. European rookies Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud continued their impressive partnership with a 4-and-3 win over Andrea Lee and Auston Kim, following their victory on Friday.
The United States avoided a sweep through a dominant performance by Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin, who defeated Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, 6 and 5. The Americans won six of eight holes during a decisive stretch and were six under par over that span. “The U.S. played unbelievable in the final match,” European captain Anna Nordqvist said. U.S. captain Angela Stanford acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying the afternoon four-ball session would be difficult with a large, vocal home crowd expected.
In Ireland, Shane Lowry took a commanding lead at the Irish Open after firing an eight-under 62 on Friday to reach 11 under par. Defending champion Rory McIlroy remained well back at 2 under after consecutive 69s, with his second round marked by putting struggles; he missed eight putts from inside 12 feet. McIlroy said he was frustrated by his inability to read the greens but remained hopeful that forecasted poor weather would reward his ball-striking and help him close the gap. Joaquin Niemann, who led after the opening round with a 65, was among the players Lowry overtook.