Solheim Cup Sunday Singles Pairings Are Set by Blind Draw

Solheim Cup Sunday singles pairings are set by a blind draw, not by the two captains negotiating who plays whom. Each captain submits an order for all 12 of their players without seeing the other team's list, and the two lists are then matched: the first name on Europe's list plays the first name on the United States' list, and so on through all 12 matches.

How does the Sunday singles format work?

Singles is the fifth and final session of the three-day competition, and the only one where every player from both 12-player teams competes. The first two days are split between foursomes and four-ball matches, in which players compete in pairs; Sunday switches to strict one-on-one match play, with each of the 12 matches worth a full point to the winner and a half point to each side if the match is tied after 18 holes.

Why is the pairing order a blind draw?

Submitting lineups without seeing the opponent's order stops either captain from stacking strong players against weaker ones. Captains often lead with their strongest players to chase early points, but neither is obligated to, and neither can react once the cards are in.

How many points are needed to win?

Because a tied overall match goes to the defending team, the two sides need different totals: the reigning champion needs 14 combined points to retain the Cup, while the challenger needs 14.5 to take it back.