Suzann Pettersen has been named as Team Europe’s captain for the next Solheim Cup, which is being held Finca Cortesín in Spain from September 22-24, 2023.
The 40-year-old two-time Major champion from Norway is synonymous with the Solheim Cup, having represented Europe nine times as a player and twice as a vice-captain. She has been on the winning side five times, including the past two victories at Gleneagles in Scotland and at Inverness Club in Ohio.
At the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, following an 18-month maternity leave, she was chosen by Catriona Matthew as a captain’s pick and, when the match came down to a seven-foot birdie putt on the final hole on Sunday under the ultimate pressure, Pettersen famously drained it to bring the cup home to Europe for the first time since 2013. The 14.5-13.5 victory tied for the closest winning margin in Solheim Cup history and she retired from competition immediately afterwards, saying “It doesn’t get any better than this.”In September this year, following the arrival of her second child, Pettersen returned to serve as a vice-captain under Matthew when Team Europe beat Team USA 15-13 to win for only the second time on US soil. Her first experience of being a vice-captain was at the 2017 Solheim Cup, when she served under Annika Sorenstam. Pettersen had been due to have a playing role but due to injury, she swapped roles with Matthew just before the contest began.
As a player, Pettersen made her Solheim Cup debut at Interlachen in Minnesota in 2002, during her rookie year on the Ladies European Tour. She played in the next seven editions, helping Europe to victory in 2003, 2011 and 2013, before returning in 2019 for a starring role when she holed the winning putt, which she rates as the greatest putt of her career.
“I am simply thrilled to be named Solheim Cup Captain. This is the biggest honour of my career,” Pettersen said. “My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup. You are out there with your team mates, your friends, and you all work for one goal. You fight for your friends and you share incredibly precious moments. I have played with and under many wonderful captains since I made my debut in the competition 19 years ago. Every Solheim has been special in its own way. You make friendships for life and memories you’ll never forget.
“Every captain is different and brings their unique skills to the table. I am very much looking forward to bringing my experience to the role and working hard over the next 22 months to defend the Cup on Spanish soil.”
