Europe Claims Solheim Cup Victory 14 ½ - 13 ½
It was an exhilarating Sunday in Scotland, as Team Europe battled their way to regaining the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2013.
The final day started even at 8-8, with the tournament coming down to the wire as the Americans battled to retain the cup for their third three-peat. In the end Bronte Law secured par and a singles win on the 17th, leaving Norway’s Suzann Pettersen the winning shot on the 18th.
The 38-year-old and Catriona Matthew’s controversial wildcard pick was able to hold her nerve, sinking an 8-foot birdie putt and bringing the cup back to Europe.
The current world number 665 had only played in three tournaments since taking maternity leave in November 2017. Playing in this year’s Solheim Cup wasn’t something she even thought was possible until the captain spoke to her. While many questioned the choice, Matthew was steadfast in her decision to bring Pettersen onto the team.
“I always had faith in Suzann,” Matthew told reporters yesterday. “It was just unbelievable. There has never been a better moment.”
With her young son Herman in the crowd, Pettersen revelled in her moment and revealed it was the perfect ending to an incredible career.
“This is it; professionally I’m done,” she said afterwards. Adding, “This is perfect closure. That’s it, I’m done. This is a good end to a great career.”
While the Americans sat by watching the Europeans celebrate, neither team could deny what a great week for women’s golf the event had been.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get the win but what a day for women’s golf,” said Jessica Korda.
The American’s captain Juli Inkster weighed in stating, “I think a lot of people underestimate women's golf and they don't give it the credit that we deserve.” Adding, “But these ladies are athletes. They're amazing at what they do.”
The excitement and suspense of yesterday’s action at Gleneagles did not disappoint, capitulating the women’s game into the forefront of 2019 sport. We say, bring on 2021 at Inverness Club!
