GAINESVILLE, Virginia – The U.S. Solheim Cup team follows the lead of the world No. 1.

Nelly Korda, who was sent out first in both matches on Friday, went all out in the afternoon, scoring four birdies and two eagles to team with Megan Khang for a convincing 6-and-4 victory that set the tone for the Americans on an afternoon of sweeping victories.

Seeking their first Solheim Cup title since 2017, the Americans lead 6-2 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, the first time in the event’s history that a team has built up such a large lead after the first day.

Korda became the first U.S. player to win both of her opening day matches by at least three holes. But she wasn’t the only standout player: Rookies Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel scored two points – the latter together in the afternoon foursomes – in what looked like a stroke of genius from captain Stacy Lewis. Rose Zhang also won both of her matches after a disappointing 2023 Solheim debut.

Last year, Europe was swept out of the first four in Spain, but recovered in the afternoon and reduced the deficit by winning the session.

That didn’t happen this time, as the USA won both sessions 3-1 to take a decisive advantage into Day 2.

“Well, I can say that we have a huge task ahead of us,” said European captain Suzann Pettersen.

This is how the afternoon went:

Nelly Korda/Megan Khang (USA) defeated Leona Maguire/Georgia Hall (Europe), 6 and 4

Korda and Khang gave the experienced duo of European match play specialists little chance. Together, Korda and Khang managed five birdies in six holes, finished the first nine holes and built up a considerable lead that they could not relinquish.

Korda in particular shone on stage. She shot 8 under par on the 14 holes and looked every bit the world number 1 who has already won six times this season.

Anna Nordqvist/Madelene Sagstrom (Europe) defeated Lexi Thompson/Alison Lee (USA), 6 and 5

With all four players sitting out the opening session, it was the experienced duo who stood up to the Americans and spoiled the start of what could be Thompson’s last Solheim Cup.

After seven holes of a tie, the Europeans closed the match on six consecutive victories. As a team, they were 7 under par, including the usual match play concessions.

Sagstrom, who got married last weekend, has a 2-0-1 record in the better-ball format over the past two years, while Nordqvist, an alternate captain at this year’s games, recorded her first win in that span.

Lauren Coughlin/Sarah Schmelzel (USA) defeated Emily Pedersen/Maja Stark (Europe), 3 and 2

Facing the only European duo to score a point in the morning session, the American rookies took control on the first nine holes and never relinquished the lead.

Coughlin, who plays near her hometown of Charlottesville, teamed up with Schmelzel and each went 2-0 in their Solheim Cup debuts.

Coughlin, one of the LPGA’s shooting stars this season, scored nine birdies with Schmelzel – the last being a right-to-left sweeper on hole 16 that ended the match.

Rose Zhang/Andrea Lee (USA) defeated Linn Grant/Charley Hull (Europe), 5 and 4

Zhang and Lee, two of Stanford’s most successful players, closed a significant gap with precise approaches and timely putting, earning another point for Team USA.

Over the first eight holes, Zhang and Lee each contributed crucial shots to win four holes in a row and build a comfortable lead. The dagger was probably Zhang’s 15-footer for an eagle on 12 – but then, two holes later, Lee missed her 178-yard approach shot on 14.^th for a conceded eagle and an easy win.

Hull and Grant were expected to be among the most successful players in Europe, but instead they both finished the first day with a 0-2 record.