Pettersen issues apology after Solheim Cup controversy

Suzann Pettersen has issued an apology over her controversial behaviour on the 17th green during Europe’s Solheim Cup defeat on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Norwegian was hoping to help Europe defeat the United States at Golf Club St Leon-Rot in Germany.

But Pettersen admitted that she went too far when claiming a putt on the 17th had not been conceded when American Alison Lee picked up her ball, which meant the USA lost the hole.

Lee and partner Brittany Lincicome thought Pettersen’s fourballs partner, Charley Hull, had conceded the putt when she walked away after Lee had put her previous shot close to the hole.

The European pair went on to win the match, but the controversy galvanised the American team who battled back from a 10-6 deficit to win eight-and-a-half points from Sunday’s 12 singles matches to regain the trophy they last lifted in 2009.

Pettersen subsequently responded to a barrage of criticism to issue an apology on Monday and said on social media that she was “sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle. I’ve never felt more gutted and truly sad.”

She added: “I was trying my hardest for my team and put the single match and the point that could be earned ahead of sportsmanship and the game of golf itself. I feel like I let my team down.

“I have learned a valuable lesson about what is truly important in this great game.”

Tagged Solheim Cup, Solheim Cup 2015, Suzann Pettersen