Messages of congratulations to Europe’s victorious Solheim Cup team have been pouring in following their historic first victory on US soil.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, wrote: “Dear Captain Neumann and all members of the victorious Solheim Cup team. Many congratulations from all of us at the European Tour for a simply outstanding victory in Colorado.
“To win the trophy for the first time on US soil is a quite superb achievement and gives everyone who supports the game in Europe immense pleasure. All of us watching the late night television pictures on Sky Sports were impressed by the manner and style of your victory.
“Your success continues a remarkable sequence of victories in the major team events that gives everyone charged with developing the game considerable pride.
“With very best wishes to you, the team and additionally your support team and all at the Ladies European Tour.”
Speaking at Gleneagles, host venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup, European Captain Paul McGinley revealed that had sent an email congratulating the Solheim Cup Team on their victory.
“I'm absolutely delighted and thrilled as a European to see them winning for the first time on American soil,” he said. “It really is something special. It's breaking down the barriers and I'm just so delighted for the girls. They have had a tough time and a tough economic time, too, and it is great to see them rising against the Americans as well as they did, and to see the young girls come through, as well, too.
He added: “I'm delighted for them and wish them every success, and I'll be following the Walker Cup next month and wishing them the very best as well.”
A host of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup players were also quick to congratulate their female counterparts after they successfully defended the Solheim Cup.
Europe's 18-10 win over the United States was the first time they had claimed victory away from home and also the first time they had successfully defended the title.
British 17 year old Charley Hull claimed a dramatic win over the vastly experienced Paula Creamer in the singles while Swede Caroline Hedwall became the first player in tournament history to win all five of her matches.
Tony Jacklin captained Europe’s men to the historic first Ryder Cup victory in America in 1987 at Muirfield Village and last night he was with one of his charges, Sir Nick Faldo, toasting the Solheim success.
Faldo tweeted a picture of the two of them raising a glass. “Celebrating @SolheimCupEuro! W/ Captain Jacklin remembering '87 #FirstWinOnAmericanSoil #CheersEuro!!!" (CLICK HERE FOR PIC)
Sam Torrance, another member of Jacklin's '87 team and victorious captain in 2002, said: "“It was just incredible and a wonderful performance. The golfing was magnificent. I got home from the Scottish Senior Open at 9pm and I watched every minute of it from the first tee through until about 4am. It was so exciting. It got a little bit smelly at one point when there was quite a bit of red on the board, but the European girls played so well I’ve sent them a text of congratulations. What a performance. It definitely brought back some memories from 1987 when we won in America for the first time. It was so pleasing to see and I’m delighted for them. They should b very proud.
“I’ve played that course for the US Senior PGA Championship and they were playing the same tees as us so it really put into perspective for me just how good the golf was that they were playing.”
Ian Woosnam, who similarly enjoyed that first overseas victory in 1987 and captained a triumphant European Team in 2006, commented: "It was a magnificent performance and achievement from the team, which reminded us all of 1987. Congratulations to everyone involved."
Ken Brown, who also played on that victorious 1987 team, tweeted:“@SolheimCupEuroTeam.. Winners... Brilliant, Brilliant performance.”
Europe's men claimed the Ryder Cup at Medinah last year in a dramatic 14.5-13.5 comeback win and talisman Ian Poulter was among those to heap praise on the women's team.
"Congrats to the Solheim Cup European team on there impressive victory. Great job girls," he posted on Twitter.
Former World Number One Luke Donald also added his congratulations, Tweeting: "Congrats to @SolheimCupEuro for retaining the Solheim Cup #OleOleOleOle."
Colin Montgomerie captained the men to victory at the Celtic Manor Resort in 2010 and he too took to the social media site to hail Liselotte Neumann's side.
"Congratulations @LETgolf @SolheimCupEuro Fantastic win. Well played all of you," he Tweeted.
US Open champion Justin Rose focused on Hull and Hedwall as he Tweeted: "Congrats Ladies! Fantastic @SolheimCup win! Charley Hull take a (bow) curtesy! Caroline Hedwall record 5-0 Nice!!"
Lee Westwood also singled out Hedwall, whose putt on 18 secured the point which ensured the Cup would be retained, Tweeting: "Congratulations to the European Ladies Solheim cup team. Well done Caroline Hedwall. 5-0!"
Paul Lawrie, who this week defends his Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, said: “Well done to the European Solheim Cup team - massive victory on American soil for the first time.”
