Europe regained the Solheim Cup 14.5-13.5 against the USA after wildcard pick Suzann Pettersen hit the winning putt at the 18th hole. It was all set up for an epic final day in the singles when the two sides were locked at 8-8 at the end of Saturday’s play at Gleneagles.
Danielle Kang put Europe ahead, but Nelly Korda defeated Caroline Hedwall to level for the United States. Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier added more points for Europe, but the USA edged closer to retaining the title with wins for Angel Yin, Lizette Salas, Jessica Korda and Brittany Altomare.
Megan Khang and Charley Hull halved their hole to leave the score at 11.5-13.5 in favour of the US, who needed just half a point to keep possession of the Solheim Cup. However, Anna Nordqvist comfortably defeated Morgan Pressel 4&3 to give Europe some hope with two holes remaining, before Bronte Law levelled matters with a 2&1 win over Ally McDonald.
Pettersen and Marina Alex were all square going to the 18th – which would have been enough for the USA – but when Alex missed a 10-foot putt it was left to the Norwegian to hole from eight feet for a sensational win. The 39-year-old was not expected to play given that she was only returned to action earlier this year having taken a break from golf in November 2017 to have a baby.
However, Europe captain Catriona Matthew handed her a wildcard place and she repaid her in full in what was her 10th Solheim Cup appearance. Matthew said: “She got a bit of stick for getting that pick, but it shows she was the right one.” She added: “Just unbelievable. Never been a better moment. To come down to the final putt and for Suzann to get it was just phenomenal.
“We knew experience would win it and for Bronte [Law] and Suzann to pull it out was just incredible. Nothing tops this. This is the best by far.” Petterson said on Sky Sports: “It’s all just a big blur. It was a good putt. I did not know it was for it. “I knew it was close.
Coming down 18 Beany said it’s ‘why I picked you’. I was just trying to make some kind of a birdie. In your wildest dreams, especially where I’ve come from, I never thought I was going to do this again. Its a fantastic win for the team “I didn’t feel much pressure. I knew my team-mates wanted me and that was all that mattered.”
