Europe celebrate retaining the Solheim Cup, as the contest ended drawn for the first time in the event's history ©Getty Images

Europe retained golf’s Solheim Cup, claiming the trophy for the third time in a row, after their contest with the United States ended in a 14-14 draw at Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Spain.

It is the first time in the event’s history that the women’s team tournament has ended level, although Europe keep the trophy as holders after winning the previous edition in 2021.

The putt that retained the trophy was sunk by Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, playing on home turf, as she won 2&1 against Nelly Korda of the US, in the penultimate singles match.

Ciganda made five birdies in the match, while her victory meant she finished as Europe’s top points scorer in this edition, with four wins from four matches played.

There were four more European winners on the final day, with Ireland’s Leona Maguire a 4&3 victor over Rose Zhang, after making four birdies on the back nine.

The most impressive European turnaround came from Caroline Hedwall of Sweden, who made five birdies in her last six holes to turn a situation where she was three down after 12 holes to Ally Ewing into a two up win.

Fellow Swede Anna Nordqvist claimed a 2&1 win over Jennifer Kupcho, leading all the way after she birdied the fifth hole.

Spain's Carlota Ciganda holed the crucial putt in her match which ensured Europe retained the Solheim Cup ©Getty Images
Spain's Carlota Ciganda holed the crucial putt in her match which ensured Europe retained the Solheim Cup ©Getty Images

Rookie Maja Stark of Sweden was the other European winner, overcoming Allisen Corpuz by a 2&1 margin.

Lexi Thompson was one of five US winners on the final day, securing the draw with a 2&1 victory over Emily Kristine Pedersen of Denmark in the bottom match.

Lilia Vu was a comprehensive 4&3 winner over Madelene Sagström of Sweden, making birdies on the first four holes as she made a flying start.

Megan Khang, the US top points scorer with 3.5 points from four matches, won one up in the opening singles match of the day, leading Sweden’s Linn Grant from first hole to last.

Danielle Kang ran out a comfortable 4&2 winner over Britain’s Charley Hull, while Angel Yin beat France’s Céline Boutier 2&1.

The remaining two matches ended all square, between Andrea Lee of the US and Britain’s Georgia Hall, and Cheyenne Knight of the US and Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh.

The next edition of the Solheim Cup is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 14 2024, and is due to be held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in the United States.

The captains for this year's edition, Suzann Pettersen for Europe and Stacy Lewis for the US, will reprise their roles for next year.