HALMSTAD, Sweden, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Americans successfully defended the Solheim Cup in Sweden Sunday, capturing 8 1/2 points in the 12 matches to win the women's tournament.
The U.S. final score was 16-12 at Halmstad Golfclub.
The United States traditionally dominates the singles, having won the session 59-41 in the previous nine competitions. This year was close to, but not quite, a record rout.
Since the format was changed to 12 players per team, the biggest Sunday was a 10-2 American victory by the Americans in 1996, the last American victory on foreign soil.
"It's fun to win in enemy territory," said American captain Betsy King.
Nicole Castrale, one of King's captain's picks, drained a seven-foot putt at the 16th hole to defeat Bettina Hauert, 3 and 2. Paula Creamer was guaranteed a half point in her match against Maria Hjorth, which gave the Americans the 14 1/2 points needed to win the Cup.
