Suzann Pettersen - © LPGA

The two-time Major in Major knows the Solheim Cup well, having represented Europe nine times as a player and twice as vice-captain. She's had five triumphs, including the last two wins at Gleneagles, Scotland and Inverness Club, Ohio.

At the Solheim Cup 2019 in Gleneagles, after an 18-month maternity leave, she was chosen by Captain Catriona Matthew. This Solheim Cup was played on a two-meter birdie putt on the last hole on Sunday under ultimate pressure. Pettersen didn't shake and famously put it down to bring the Cup back to Europe for the first time since 2013. The 14,5-13,5 win is the narrowest margin in Solheim Cup history. The Norwegian exclaimed at the end of the competition: “There is nothing better than that. "

In September 2021, after the arrival of her second child, Pettersen returned as vice-captain under Matthew. The European team beat the United States team 15-13, winning the Solheim Cup for only the second time on American soil. Her first experience as vice-captain dates back to the 2017 Solheim Cup at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa, where she had served under Annika Sorenstam. Pettersen was supposed to be a player, but due to an injury, Matthew took her place just before the start of the competition.

Pettersen made her debut as a player in the Solheim Cup at the Interlachen Golf and Country Club in Minnesota in 2002, the same year as her debut on the Ladies European Tour. She took part in the next seven editions, helping Europe to victory in 2003, 2011 and 2013, before coming back to the fore in 2019, delivering her team with the winning putt, which she considers the biggest putt in his career.

The former Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings number two has won 21 professional titles on the LET and LPGA circuits, including major tournaments like the McDonald's LPGA Championship in 2007 and the Evian Championship in 2013, but her fondest memories are been forged by playing for passion, pride and friends in the Solheim Cup.

“I am simply delighted to be named captain of the Solheim Cup. It is the greatest honor of my career, ”said Pettersen.

“My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup. You are in the field with your teammates, your friends, and you are all working towards the same goal. You fight for your friends, and you share incredibly precious moments.

“I have played with and under the guidance of many wonderful captains since I made my competitive debut 19 years ago. Each Solheim was special in its own way. You create lifelong friendships and memories you will never forget. "

“Each captain is different and brings their unique skills to the table. I look forward to bringing my experience and working hard over the next 22 months to defend the Cup on Spanish soil. "

Speaking at the press conference, Alexandra Armas, Managing Director of the Ladies European Tour, said: “We are delighted that Suzann has accepted the role of captain for the Solheim Cup 2023. She is the heart and soul of the European team for almost 20 years and, with 21 points gained in nine participations, its record speaks for itself. With her passion for the Solheim Cup, her love of golf and her competitive spirit, she will be an inspiration to the team and fans around the world. "

The heads of the Andalusian government (Junta de Andalucía) and the Costa del Sol Tourism Council (Turismo Costa del Sol), main supporters of the Solheim Cup 2023 project, stressed the importance of having such a recognizable figure in the head of the European team.

“Today is a historic day for Andalusia, for the community and for the golf industry at national level,” said Manuel Muñoz, General Secretary for Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía. "We are getting a little closer to the Solheim Cup, a stage which, as we saw with the Ryder Cup in 1997, will mark a before and after for golf in Andalusia and Spain."

“Sport is all about emotion and even more so in a format as exciting as Solheim Cup matchplay. Andalusia is all about sharing emotions, experiences and joy, which is why we couldn't be happier to welcome Suzann Pettersen as the perfect captain for the Solheim Cup 2023. ”

Turismo Costa del Sol President Francisco Salado said: “Now we can finally say that our Solheim Cup dream has come true. Although we couldn't be in Ohio due to travel restrictions, we are here today with our new captain on the course where the 2023 Solheim Cup will be played. ”

“Today, at Turismo Costa del Sol, we are more convinced than ever of the importance of continuing to promote women's golf, which, for our destination, is particularly interesting because women golfers spend more and benefit from more. wide range of activities when traveling. In short, it is a long term investment. " 

“The dream of having the Solheim Cup played on the Costa del Sol is drawing closer and we look forward to welcoming everyone here to celebrate with us two years from now. " 

"It is a great honor to host the Solheim Cup 2023 and this handover ceremony, which also served to announce the next captain of the European team." Finca Cortesín's vocation has always been to be a benchmark in the luxury resort segment and the Solheim Cup offers us an ideal platform to continue to fulfill this objective ”, said Vicente Rubio, Managing Director of Finca Cortesín.

“The Solheim Cup 2023 is the most important women's golf event in the world and the culmination of a course we started by hosting other top level competitions. We will demonstrate our commitment to excellence, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by those who visit us from September 18 to 24, 2023. "

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

To read our last article on the same subject :

Solheim Cup: Europe retains its title!