Solheim Cup is off to a loud start as Korda and US begin bid to retain trophy in party atmosphere

DEN BOSCH, Netherlands (AP) — The Solheim Cup kicked off on Friday morning with a lively atmosphere, as American golfer Allisen Corpuz took to the course at Bernardus Golf and overcame her nerves. The event, billed as the first annual, featured party music, smoke blowers, and enthusiastic chanting. The U.S. team aimed to retain the crystal trophy, which had been placed behind each player on tee off.

In the first foursomes match, featuring Team Europe's top players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, Corpuz and world No. 1 Nelly Korda, the Europeans started strong with Woad sinking a 15-foot birdie putt on the first hole. As the festivities continued, U.S. captain Angela Stanford made her entrance, accompanied by European duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant, who danced to ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

The crowd of around 3,000 spectators at the horseshoe-shaped grandstand witnessed U.S. rookie Lindy Duncan capturing moments on her cell phone and Irish player Leona Maguire greeting the crowd with chants like "We've got Maguire, USA is terrified!" amid cheers for her swings. Despite the jovial spirit, the U.S. team needed 14 points to secure the trophy, with the series dating back to 1990 and the United States holding an 11-7-1 lead.