Golf: Europe regains Solheim Cup, comes back to beat U.S. 14 1/2-13 1/2 as Suzann Pettersen knocks in putt on final hole

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) — The most sensational finish in Solheim Cup history went down to the final putt of the entire match by a veteran player who many thought was lucky to even be selected.

Suzann Pettersen didn't let Europe down.

By rolling in a left-to-right birdie from 6 feet on the 18th hole, the 38-year-old Pettersen regained the biggest team prize in women's golf for the Europeans in a 14 ½-13 1/2 win over the United States at Gleneagles.

"Just unbelievable. Never been a better moment," said European captain Catriona Matthew, whose contentious decision to choose Pettersen as one of her wild-card picks paid off.

The Norwegian was called up by Matthew despite having played just two tournaments since 2017, having had time off because of injury and after having a baby boy, Herman.

After being mobbed by her teammates on the 18th green, an emotional Pettersen held Herman in her arms and kissed him.

"Coming down No. 18, Beany (Matthew) said, 'It's why I picked you,'" Pettersen said. "In your wildest dreams, especially where I've come from, I never thought I was going to do this again."

As an afternoon of tension-filled singles matches drew to a close, the Americans took the lead in the contest for the first time since Friday lunchtime, at 12-11. At 13 1/2-11 1/2, they needed just a half-point from the final three singles out on the course to guarantee retaining the cup but then came the European fightback.

Anna Nordqvist completed a 4-and-3 win over Morgan Pressel in Match 12 on No. 16. Then, on No. 17, Bronte Law sealed a 2-and-1 win over Ally McDonald to tie the score.

By that time, Pettersen's opponent, Marina Alex, had slid a 10-foot birdie putt wide on No. 18 that would have retained the cup for the U.S.

It was about 30 seconds after Law's win was confirmed that Pettersen settled over her putt and made it, sparking raucous celebrations for the home team on the PGA Centenary Course. Law jumped about virtually on her own just off the 17th green, before sprinting over to No. 18 where the party was in full flow.

The Americans were looking to win the Solheim Cup for the third straight time. Instead, their lead in the overall series was trimmed to 10-6.

Solheim Cup Results

At Gleneagles Resort (PGA Centenary)

Gleneagles, Scotland

Yardage: 6,434; Par: 72

EUROPE 14½, UNITED STATES 13½

Sunday

Singles

Europe 6½, United States 5½

Carlota Ciganda, Europe, def. Danielle Kang, United States, 1 up.

Nelly Korda, United States, def. Caroline Hedwall, Europe, 2 up.

Georgia Hall, Europe, def. Lexi Thompson, United States, 2 and 1.

Celine Boutier, Europe, def. Annie Park, United States, 2 and 1.

Angel Yin, United States, def. Azahara Munoz, Europe, 2 and 1.

Megan Khang, United States, halved with Charley Hull, Europe.

Lizette Salas, United States, def. Anne Van Dam, Europe, 1 up.

Jessica Korda, United States, def. Caroline Masson, Europe, 3 and 2.

Brittany Altomare, United States, def. Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Europe, 5 and 4.

Suzann Pettersen, Europe, def. Marina Alex, United States, 1 up.

Bronte Law, Europe, def. Ally McDonald, United States, 2 and 1.

Anna Nordqvist, Europe, def. Morgan Pressel, United States, 4 and 3.

Saturday

Foursomes

United States 2, Europe 2

Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex, United States, def. Anne Van Dam and Anna Nordqvist, Europe, 2 and 1.

Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier, Europe, def. Lizette Salas and Ally McDonald, United States, 3 and 2.

Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz, Europe, def. Megan Khang and Danielle Kang, United States, 4 and 3.

Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda, United States, def. Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law, Europe, 6 and 5.

Fourballs

United States 2½, Europe 1½

Brittany Altomare and Annie Park, United States, def. Suzann Pettersen and Anne Van Dam, Europe, 1 up.

Lexi Thompson and Marina Alex, United States, halved with Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Caroline Masson, Europe.

Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier, Europe, def. Ally McDonald and Angel Yin, United States, 2 up.

Lizette Salas and Danielle Kang, United States, def. Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz, Europe, 2 and 1.

Friday

Foursomes

Europe 2½, United States 1½

Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex, United States, halved with Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law, Europe.

Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier, Europe, def. Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomore, United States, 2 and 1.

Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda, United States, def. Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Europe, 6 and 4.

Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz, Europe, def. Megan Khang and Annie Park, United States, 2 and 1.

Fourballs

United States 2, Europe 2

Suzann Pettersen and Anne Van Dam, Europe, def. Danielle Kang and Lizette Salas, United States, 4 and 2.

Ally McDonald and Angel Yin, United States, def. Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Hedwall, Europe, 7 and 5.

Nelly Korda and Brittany Altomare, United States, halved with Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz, Europe.

Jessica Korda and Lexi Thompson, United States, halved with Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law, Europe.