Nordqvist hits back at USA ‘dig’ over Solheim course set-up

Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist defended the Solheim Cup course set-up after suggestions from Team USA that the greens had been deliberately slowed down; the home side regained the trophy with a 15-13 win after prevailing in Sunday's singles at Bernardus Golf

Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist was quick to shut down suggestions the Bernardus Golf course set-up had been tailored to suit the home team at the Solheim Cup.

Nordqvist's side completed a 15-13 victory over Team USA after prevailing in Sunday's singles in the Netherlands.

The scores were tied at 8-8 following the opening two days, but USA captain Angela Stanford felt her side had been at a disadvantage throughout the tournament due to the slowness of the greens.

Stanford said at her post-tournament press conference: "Europe played well. I don't think we played bad. I think we just didn't make enough putts.

"And if you listen to everything I've ever said, Europeans always putt better. I don't know why. I still don't know why. I mean, I have a good idea, but I'm not going to say it right now.

"Apparently I didn't get to know the superintendent [grounds manager] as well as I should have."

When pressed further about whether she was referring to the green speeds being different to what she had been expecting, Stanford added: "Even when we showed up in July here, they were faster.

"And I don't think it had anything to do with the rain either. Now, saying that, it's my responsibility to get the team ready.

"This is the one thing I am kicking myself is that I just didn't keep pushing, you know, we got to figure out how to hit our putts a little bit harder, which is really difficult, to change the way you putt.

"So I'm a little frustrated with myself that I didn't drive that point home."

Nordqvist was a little surprised by the apparent dig at the greens when it was put to her at her own press conference.

"We're in Europe and in September. We know how the weather can be," she said.

"I'm not sure I believe a lot in setting up a way to fit Europe because these girls play the same golf courses week-in and week-out competing.