Suzann Pettersen’s remarkable Solheim Cup career took another extraordinary twist today as she secured the winning point for Europe on a quite enthralling final day at Gleneagles.
The vastly experienced Norwegian, whose wild card call up was questioned in many quarters due to the lack of competitive golf she had played in the last two years, stepped up to the plate and held her nerve as Catriona Matthew’s Europeans edged a truly captivating contest by 14 ½ - 13 ½.
In another of golf’s great days, Europe won the final day singles by 6 ½ - 5 ½ to end America’s bid for a third successive victory. It was the most astonishing finish in Solheim Cup history.
Amid intolerable tension over the PGA Centenary course, Pettersen, who courted controversy in 2015 over the concession of a putt and was a late withdrawal from the 2017 match with injury, holed a seven foot putt on the 18th green of the final match to beat Marina Alex by one hole. Had she missed it, the USA would have retained the cup. It was astonishing theatre.
The visitors just needed a half point from the last three matches on the course but somehow, Europe conjured a fine smash and grab in the last knockings just as all looked lost. With Anna Nordqvist winning the anchor match, Bronte Law pulled a fine 2&1 win over Ally McDonald out of the bag.
Step forward Pettersen. A brilliant third shot set up her birdie opportunity and when Alex missed her cup-winning chance from 10-feet, Pettersen made no mistake and Europe won for the first time since 2013.
“Just unbelievable," said Matthew. "There’s never been a better moment. For it to come down to the last game ... the Americans played great as well, but for Suzann to get the winning putt is phenomenal.
"Half-an-hour ago it looked like a draw would be a good result, but those last three games were crucial. Just fantastic. I had faith in Pettersen all the time. This is the best moment, nothing tops this. There’s gonna be a party”
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