- Lexi Thompson’s surprising chip shot on the 18th hole became the highlight of the Friday afternoon four-ball session at the Solheim Cup.
- The U.S. team led the morning session with a 4-0 sweep but faced a European comeback in the afternoon.
- Thompson’s overall performance was commendable, securing a point in the morning session.
- Social media erupted with reactions to Thompson’s chip, with many expressing shock and disbelief.
At the 2023 Solheim Cup held at Finca Cortesin, a crucial moment occurred during the Friday afternoon four-ball session. Lexi Thompson’s unexpected chip shot on the 18th hole during a tight match against Leona Maguire and Georgia Hall ended up being the focal point of the session.
A match that went down to the wire saw Thompson and teammate Lilia Vu tied against their European rivals as they approached the final hole. Thompson’s shot, which landed just short of the green, seemed to give the American duo an edge. However, in a surprising turn of events, Thompson shanked her chip shot, sending the ball veering hard right, almost hitting Vu and their caddies.
In the wake of Maguire’s brilliant birdie, Thompson’s missed opportunity paved the way for the European team to secure a win for that match, contributing to Europe’s strong comeback during the afternoon.
Thompson Responds to Media
Post-match, the media focused on Thompson’s mishap, with one reporter’s question about the chip being met with resistance. “I don’t need to comment on that,” Thompson stated, later labeling the question as “terrible.”
Also read: How to watch Solheim Cup 2023 Live!
Performance Overview
Despite her afternoon mishap, Thompson had a strong morning session alongside teammate Megan Khang, securing a full point for Team USA. This, combined with other stellar performances, allowed the U.S. team to dominate the morning session with a 4-0 sweep against the Europeans.
However, the Europeans rallied in the afternoon, winning 3 out of 4 points. This sees the Americans currently leading with a score of 5-3, with two more days of play in the tournament.
Social Media Reactions
The unexpected turn of events lit up X (formerly Twitter), with fans, fanatics, and professionals all commenting on Thompson’s chip. Notably, Juli Inkster, a 31-time winner on the LPGA Tour, was rendered almost speechless, saying, “I’m not even sure I can comment.”
"I'm not even sure I can comment." – Juli Inkster after that Lexi shank ☠️
— Meg Adkins (@megadkins_TFE) September 22, 2023
Still buzzing half an hour later from that momentum shift on 18 after the Leona chip-in/Lexi shank. Astonishing! https://t.co/Rqt4h0NKMO
— Tron Carter (@TronCarterNLU) September 22, 2023
Wow. Lexi Thompson with a shank chip on 18 after Maguire’s chip in for birdie. Could that be a turning point for Team Europe? #SolheimCup2023
— James Chan (@JamesChuChan) September 22, 2023
