Wildcard Pettersen seals Solheim Cup for Europe
Europe regained the Solheim Cup with a thrilling 14.5-13.5 victory over the United States.
GLENEAGLES (AFP) - Europe regained the Solheim Cup with a thrilling 14.5-13.5 victory over the United States on Sunday at Gleneagles with Norwegian wildcard Suzann Pettersen sinking the winning putt.
A controversial pick, Pettersen made a birdie on the 18th in the last match on the course to defeat Marina Alex one-up in a dramatic finale in the event s closest-ever finish.
It was a first defeat for US Captain Juli Inkster -- and it makes it three wins out of three in Scotland for Europe following on from Dalmahoy (1992) and Loch Lomond (2000).
"This is fantastic," said Europe s Scottish captain Catriona Matthew after their first victory since 2013.
"I knew the last few matches would be crucial."
Pettersen, a new mother who had hardly played in two years, was a controversial wildcard selection.
"But I always had faith," added Matthew.
"It is all still a blur," said Pettersen.
"I knew it was close. But Catriona came up to me at the last and I said is this why you picked me? . This is just so fantastic for Europe."
It was Europe s sixth Solheim Cup win, with the USA 10-time champions.
Europe won three of the first four singles matches.
Carlota Ciganda claimed the 16th and 18th holes for a key victory over Danielle Kang in the top match and then Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier added two more points for the home team.
The USA responded with a win for Nelly Korda and it sparked a string of red points in the middle order. Brittany Altomare had the biggest win of the day, 5 and 4 over Jodi Ewart Shadoff, and Angel Yin and the older Korda sister, Jessica, added more points.
Charley Hull stopped the rot -- although she did lose the last hole -- with a halved match against Megan Khang, but Lizette Salas got the USA to within half a point of retaining the Cup with a one-hole victory over Anne van Dam.
But then came the sting in the US tail.
Anna Nordqvist comfortably won the final singles -- 4 and 3 over Morgan Pressel -- and that left the door open for Bronte Law (2 and 1 win over Ally McDonald) and Pettersen to become heroines and deliver the European dream.
For Law, it was an amazing debut. "I am so thrilled," said England s 24-year-old.
"I ve always loved team golf. It s not about me, it s all about helping your mates. The atmosphere this week has been just amazing. I have loved every minute."
