Europe stunned as Norwegian hero quits after claiming victory
Dame Laura Davies expressed her amazement last night that Suzann Pettersen had announced her retirement after becoming Europe’s Solheim Cup match-winner.
Davies, one of Catriona Matthew’s assistant captains, revealed that the 38-year-old Norwegian who holed an eight-footer on the 18th to seal a dramatic win over the US, had kept the news to herself.
“It’s the first I’ve heard of it and I think it is incredible to say ‘that’s it’ after you proved you are still at the top of the game,” Davies said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Suzann did play again, but if she is to go out then what a way to do it.”
The two-time major winner is adamant that is it. She had only played twice in two years when Matthew picked her as a wild card, but justified the selection in beating Marina Alex for Europe’s first win in six years.
“I think this is a perfect end for my professional career. It does not get any better,” Pettersen said, as she hugged her 13-month old son Herman. “I mean, can you ask for more? The last putt to win the cup, when it’s that close? History was just made, to win here in front of this crowd, I could never in a million miles dream it.
“I never thought I was going to be here four months ago. To have the confidence from Beany [Matthew] to give me a go, this is it. It’s a dream come true to win this for Beany, here in Scotland.
“To see my son afterwards, it’s just surreal. Life’s changed so much for me over the last year. He’s obviously the biggest thing that’s ever happened for me. But now I know what it feels like to win as a mom. I’m going to leave it like that. I am completely done. I don’t have any plans from tomorrow. I am pretty much closing it down.”
For her part, Matthew called it “the best achievement of my career”, demoting her Women’s British Open win in 2009. “This is the best without doubt,” she said. “With the team around you nothing tops this to be honest. It’s unbelievable, there’s never been a better moment. It was always going to come down to a putt here or there and for Suzann to get it, phenomenal.”