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Solheim Cup opens with a blockbuster: Korda-Corpuz face Europe’s dream team

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CROMVOIRT, Netherlands — The 20th Solheim Cup gets off to an explosive start with the undefeated partnership of world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz taking on Europe’s two best players in Charley Hull and Lottie Woad in the opening foursomes match at Bernardus Golf.

A strong Day 1 performance is paramount at the Solheim Cup. Teams leading after Friday have an all-time Solheim Cup record of 14-3-1.

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In the last two cups, the Americans have flipped the script on their foursomes woes. After posting a losing record in the format for six consecutive cups – 2011 to 2021 – they won in 2023 and 2024.

“It’s the data, the stats to it,” said Stanford of what has changed. “I think it’s made us look at it through a different lens. And, you know, Justin Ray’s been great for us. I love numbers. I think numbers don’t lie to you. So, yeah, I would say that because, really, it started in Spain. That was kind of the first time we started using stats and data to figure out the foursomes, and it’s helped us.”

Korda and Corpuz are a stunning 4-0 in foursomes over the past two cups. In four Solheim Cups, Korda has won six foursomes matches, tying Juli Inkster and trailing only Paula Creamer with seven. The undefeated Korda-Corpuz duo has been key to Team USA’s recent foursome success, having bested Europe in the format the past two cups.

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Best photos from Solheim Cup practice rounds as USA, Europe gear up at Bernardus

The Solheim Cup branding is seen on the tee markers during a practice round prior to the Solheim Cup 2026 at Bernardus Golf on September 08, 2026 in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.

(Naomi Baker, Getty Images)

“We can talk about Nelly and we can talk about her being the No. 1 player in the world, but don’t sleep on Allisen,” said Stanford. “Allisen, I’ve called her the backbone of our team. She’s pretty tough.”

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Hull has been keen to partner with compatriot Woad for some time now. Both are ranked in the top 10 in the world.

“You can’t wait to play her soon enough,” said Nordvqist of getting Hull out early. “I mean, as soon as she gets here, she’s ready to tee it up on the Friday.”

Of Nordqvist’s four rookies, Woad is the only one going out in the morning matches. When asked about her philosophy for getting her rookies involved in the action, Nordqvist seemed a bit confused by the captain’s agreement, thinking she had to play every player on her 12-person team on Friday. Stanford gently corrected the record further in the press conference, noting that each competitor had to play one time before Sunday’s singles.

On the U.S. side, rookie Lindy Duncan will go out in the third match alongside Andrea Lee. They’ll take on the new partnership of Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit.

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“I mean, for us to get Lindy out there in her first match, Andrea is very steady,” said Stanford. “Andrea’s one of the best drivers of the golf ball on the tour – she is the best driver of the golf ball on tour. So to get Lindy out there with her and have some steadiness, that was key.”

Solheim Cup 2026 Friday foursomes pairings, tee times

All times ET, USA listed first

  • 1:40 a.m.: Allisen Corpuz and Nelly Korda vs. Charley Hull and Lottie Woad

  • 1:52 a.m.: Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin vs. Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Celine Boutier

  • 2:04 a.m.: Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan vs. Esther Henseleit and Leona Maguire

  • 2:16 a.m.: Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho vs. Linn Grant and Maja Stark

Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Solheim Cup opens with a blockbuster: Korda-Corpuz face Europe’s dream team

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