Suzann Pettersen was named 2023 European Solheim Cup captain at a press conference in Spain on Monday. The colorful Norwegian player, who has been both the hero and the villain of the biennial match, will try to carry on the momentum set forth by Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to consecutive victories in 2019 and 2021.
The next match will take place in Spain’s Costa del Sol from September 18-24, 2023.
Pettersen, 40, has represented Europe in nine Solheim Cups as a player and twice as vice captain. In 2019, she famously sank the winning putt at Gleneagles and then walked off into retirement with son Herman in her arms.
“I am simply thrilled to be named Solheim Cup captain,” said Pettersen. “This is the biggest honor of my career.”
Pettersen made her Solheim debut in 2002 at Interlachen Golf and Country Club in Minnesota and helped lead Europe to victory in 2003, 2011 and 2013 before returning from maternity leave in 2019 to deliver the most impactful seven-foot putt of her career.
Prior to being named a wild card pick in 2019, Pettersen has competed in only three Rolex Ranking events in 18 months, with two missed cuts and a T-59 in the CP Women’s Open.
Her performance in Scotland was nothing short of legendary.
“We are delighted that Suzann has accepted the role of captain for the 2023 Solheim Cup,” said Alexandra Armas, chief executive of the Ladies European Tour. “She has been the heart and soul of the European team for almost 20 years and, with 21 points earned from nine appearances, her record speaks for itself.”
Pettersen took on the role on villain in 2015 when a concession controversy erupted on the final day in Germany.
The incident occurred on the 17th green at St. Leon-Rot Golf Club in four-balls when rookie Alison Lee picked up an 18-inch putt for par that she thought Europe had conceded. As Charley Hull walked off the green, Pettersen told the group’s rules official that the putt hadn’t been given.
The miscommunication resulted in a loss of hole for Lee and partner Brittany Lincicome, who walked to the 18th tee stunned.
After the Americans failed to birdie the final hole, Europe closed the match, 2 up, and Lee and Hull broke down sobbing.
The Americans responded with the biggest come-from-behind victory in Solheim Cup history, with Team USA overcoming a four-point deficit to triumph, winning 8.5 points in singles play Sunday.
Pettersen later issued an apology.
Now a mother of two, Pettersen served as vice captain for Matthew at Inverness in September, helping Europe take home the Cup despite having only a small number of friends and family present due to travel restrictions.
A two-time major champion, Pettersen has 21 LPGA and LET titles, including 15 on the LPGA. She won the 2007 McDonald’s LPGA Championship (now KPMG Women’s PGA) and 2013 Evian Championship.
“My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup,” said Pettersen. “You are out there with your teammates, your friends, and you all work for one goal. You fight for your friends and you share incredibly precious moments.”
Team USA has yet to name its next captain.