DEN BOSCH, Netherlands — Megan Khang and Alison Lee gave the United States its biggest lift of the opening day at the Solheim Cup on Friday, rallying from 2 down to beat Celine Boutier and Nanna Koertz Madsen, 5-and-3, and put the Americans ahead 3-2.
The match turned quickly once Lee made eagle on the par-5 10th hole. Khang said that shot changed the feel of the round and opened the door for the comeback.
“The back nine easily kicked off with her eagle. That was so cool to see,” Khang said. “It’s always nice seeing a big bird and it definitely took the lid off for us.”
The U.S. morning foursomes were split 2-2, so Khang and Lee’s afternoon win carried extra weight. Instead of heading deeper into the session with momentum still up for grabs, the Americans took control of the team score and finished the day in front.
For Lee, the appearance carried added meaning. She returned to the Solheim Cup after becoming a mother, with her son Levi born in April last year. Khang said the partnership has plenty of chemistry, even if the two like to needle each other a bit.
“We always joke that we bicker like sisters. To a point where I think Angela even asked if we actually do like each other in the practice round,” Khang said. “But it’s really fun, I’ve known Alison for such a long time. She’s such a great partner. We never get too down on ourselves. It’s hard not to have a good time out there.”
The victory also extended Khang’s unbeaten Solheim Cup run to nine matches, tying the second-longest streak in tournament history. Only Carlota Ciganda has been part of more consistent recent success, and Khang’s start on Friday morning in a white, star-spangled cowboy hat helped set the tone for a strong opening day for the United States.
