Solheim Cup

Once the dust had settled from the Solheim Cup battle in Germany, some players could apparently see more clearly. Norway’s Suzann Pettersen for one. The former number 2 in the world had been completely unrepentant over the matter of “the non-conceded putt”, but on Monday morning she issued a lengthy apology for her conduct on the final day of the Solheim Cup.

 

Before flying home, 34-year old Pettersen also apologised in person to the United States team captain, Juli Inkster. A sensible move for a whole host of reasons, but especially as the Norwegian earns her living on the LPGA Tour in America. In an emotional Instagram message, the two-time Major winner, who has an impressive track record during her eight appearances in the Solheim Cup, said:

 

“I’ve never felt more gutted and truly sad about what went down Sunday on the 17th at the Solheim Cup. I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle and competition.

 

“I was trying my hardest for my team and put the single match and the point that could be earned ahead of sportsmanship and the game of golf itself!”

 

“I feel like I let my team down and I am sorry.” Pettersen added: “To the US team, you guys have a great leader in Juli, who I’ve always looked up to and respect so much. Knowing I need to make things ‘right’, I had a face-to-face chat with her before leaving Germany this morning to tell her in person how I really feel about all of this. I wanted her also to know that I am sorry.

 

“I hope in time the US team will forgive me and know that I have learned a valuable lesson about what is truly important in this great game of golf which has given me so much in my life. The Solheim Cup has been a huge part of my career. I wish I could change Sunday for many reasons. Unfortunately I can’t.

 

She concluded: “This week I want to push forward toward another opportunity to earn the Solheim Cup back for Europe in the right way. And I want to work hard to earn back your belief in me as someone who plays hard, plays fair and plays the great game of golf the right way.”

 

Pictured:  Suzann Pettersen (centre) in the heat of the moment on Sunday.