Suzann Pettersen and Catriona Matthew - Photo: DR

Sörenstam chose Matthew as an alternate to Suzann Pettersen when she selected her team following the conclusion of the Ricoh Women's British Open, and then informed the US team, as required by the captains' agreement.

Eight-time Solheim Cup competitor Pettersen qualified to make her ninth appearance for the European team through the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings. She arrived in Des Moines on Monday evening after receiving treatment for a recurring disc injury that occurred in Norway over the weekend. Despite receiving additional treatment from the team's osteopath on site, she withdrew Wednesday morning due to persistent pain.

Pettersen said: “I took this extremely difficult decision to help the European team and give my team-mate the best possible chance of success. There was no guarantee that I would be able to compete on Friday morning and I didn't want to play unless I could give it 100%. I really love the Solheim Cup and I will stay and support my team this week in any way I can. "

It will be Matthew's ninth appearance at the Solheim Cup. She won 19 points from 33 games, played from 1998 to 2015. She was a member of three winning teams in 2003, 2011 and 2013.

She had the winning putt at the 2003 Solheim Cup at the Barsebäck Golf and Country Club in Sweden and obtained the decisive half point to win the Cup and seal the first European victory at the Colorado Golf Club in 2013.

Sörenstam said: “It's unfortunate that Suzann is retiring due to a back injury. The Solheim Cup has been such an important part of his career. It was a very difficult decision, but I'm proud of her and she will continue to be a leader this week. "

“Catriona is an undisputed Solheim Cup performer who will be able to walk and play with anyone. She's ready to go. "

The 2017 Solheim Cup will start Friday at 8 a.m.

To know more : http://www.solheimcup.com/