It fell to Woad to sink the putt that ensured Europe would win, with four matches still to be completed. Her 2&1 triumph over Auston Kim took Europe to 14 points with Carlotta Ciganda already unassailably three up on the 16th tee.
Europe were guaranteed to reach the magic number of 14½ points and there was nothing America could do about it. It should be noted, this was not a great US side with Korda, Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin being head and shoulders above the rest.
Nordqvist’s persistent faith in Woad and Hull, playing her two highest ranked players together in the four opening sessions seemed a folly. She insisted stats justified the call, but the partnership never gelled, yielding only half a point.
It was all the more jarring because elsewhere Nordqvist had unmistakably fostered that famed European spirit which so often permeates through Solheim and Ryder Cup successes.
It was crucial in overcoming Jennifer Kupcho’s hammer blow long range birdies late on the Saturday evening that allowed the United States to force an unlikely share of the foursomes and fourball spoils.
All the momentum was with the visitors on the Saturday night, but it was soon washed away as the rain drenched Sunday singles began.
“We were on the team bus, I said a few words,” said assistant captain Mel Reid of the aftermath of Kupcho’s heroics. “The team bus is a special place for Team Europe.
“I think it’s where we really unite, we really get together. We put the music on and it’s a special place. I’m just glad there are no cameras there.
“But we got to the hotel and we put on a song, and I felt like it changed the mood and united us. It was weird.
“We just forgot what happened, the disappointment, and we just got back on it.”
