WATCH: Suzann Peterson apologises over Solheim Cup controversy
Suzann Pettersen has issued an apology for her actions after controversy over the concession of a putt threatened to overshadow Team USA’s victory in the Solheim Cup.
The Norwegian has come in for much criticism after denying she and team-mate Charley Hull had conceded a two-foot putt on the 17th hole of their fourball match on Sunday morning after America’s Alison Lee had picked up her ball.
Europe were awarded the hole and went on to win the fourball contest two up but it was the Americans who eventually claimed the Cup with a stunning comeback in the singles on Sunday afternoon sealing a 14 1/2-13 1/2 victory.
Lee and Hull were left in tears on the 18th green after the incident with Dame Laura Davies left “disgusted” by Pettersen’s actions, and the 34-year-old has now apologised for “not thinking about the bigger picture”.
“I’ve never felt more gutted and truly sad about what went down Sunday on the 17th at the Solheim Cup,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle and competition. 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 and I am sorry.”
Her post continued: "To the U.S. team, you guys have a great leader in Juli (Inkster), who I've always looked up to and respect so much. Knowing I need to make things ''right", I had a face to face chat with her before leaving Germany this morning to tell her in person how I really feel about all of this. I wanted her also to know that I am sorry.
“I hope in time the U.S. team will forgive me and know that I have learned a valuable lesson about what is truly important in this great game of golf which has given me so much in my life.
“To the fans of golf who watched the competition on TV, I am sorry for the way I carried myself. I can be so much better and being an ambassador for this great game means a lot to me.
“The Solheim Cup has been a huge part of my career. I wish I could change Sunday for many reasons. Unfortunately I can’t.
“This week I want to push forward toward another opportunity to earn the Solheim Cup back for Europe in the right way. And I want to work hard to earn back your belief in me as someone who plays hard, plays fair and plays the great game of golf the right way.”
The confusion on the 17th green appears to have arisen when Hull gave the impression the putt had been conceded as she was already walking across the front of the green towards the 18th tee, but Pettersen said they had not conceded.
“I have never seen anything like it in my career. It’s just not right,” United States captain Inkster said after the incident.
“You just don’t do that to your peers. It’s disrespectful.
”I saw Charley walking off and Suzann kind of turned her back and then Suzann said she did not give it to her (Lee).“
