There has been a seismic shift in women’s professional golf since the first Solheim Cup was played in Orlando, Florida, in 1990.
Of the eight Americans who lined up for the inaugural event, five – including Pat Bradley, Nancy Lopez, Patty Sheehan, Beth Daniel and Betsy King – would be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame before the end of that decade.
The Europeans were buoyant when English duo Laura Davies and Alison Nicholas snatched a 2&1 foursomes victory over hot favourites Bradley and Lopez. It was the only Euro highlight on an opening day that closed with the United States smashing their opponents in each match to lead 3–1, with no match going beyond the 14th hole.
The American domination continued for two days and there were growing concerns this team event might be dead in the water for future years unless
