SaqEuropean captain Suzann Pettersen believes fresh memories from last year’s Solheim Cup can boost her team’s chances of retaining the trophy against the United States.
A thrilling 14-14 draw in Spain, the first in the competition’s history, ensured Europe retained the cup after victories in Ohio in 2021 and Gleneagles in 2019, where controversial wild card Pettersen holed the winning putt and quickly announced his retirement.
The Norwegian was named captain for 2023 and 2024 due to the ties being played just a year apart due to the Solheim Cup being moved to even-numbered years to avoid conflict with the Ryder Cup, with American captain Stacy Lewis also doing the same.
“The year has gone by quickly since Spain,” Pettersen said. “Obviously the change of direction was quick, and the celebration was quick.
“At the same time, I think it’s a big challenge to get back on the pitch and do the job. The players are all ready to do it and it’s always going to be a tough task.
“We learned a lot of good lessons from last year. I think the biggest thing we learned was precision. Giving pretty clear messages is very helpful. Being transparent is good, but at the same time, they’re looking for someone who can make decisions, the players. So there’s a combination.
“I think it’s good to have two new faces on our team this year. We have Esther (Henseleit) and Albane (Valenzuela). It’s good to have some new blood.
“We can easily call on players who have already played Solheim several times. So we have a lot of experience.
“That being said, with the arrival of new players, it creates a new energy and a new atmosphere.”
Pettersen’s side had a nightmare start to their games at Finca Cortesin last year, losing the first four games 4-0 and only managing to equalise late on the second day.
It was up to Spanish star Carlota Ciganda to ensure the trophy stayed in Europe with her fourth win in four matches in the final day’s singles, with Lexi Thompson then beating Emily Pedersen 2&1 to make it 14-14.
“I think it would be nice to have a better start,” Pettersen admitted.
“That being said, I think Friday morning last year was also a good wake-up call for all of us. We shouldn’t necessarily assume that everything is going to go according to plan just because we’ve been successful in previous years.
“I think it’s still pretty fresh in the minds of all the players. I think the good thing is that it literally feels like Solheim 23 happened yesterday. So it’s nice to get that feeling and that energy back.
“I think it was the right thing for Stacy and myself to do this. [again] “Because I think it would have been an extremely difficult job for someone new to come in and do it all in 11 months.”
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia will host the 19th edition of the Solheim Cup, with hometown captain Lewis having the advantage of designing the course to suit her players.
“I think the preparation was as expected,” Pettersen said. “They gave their all this weekend.
“If the rough had been a little higher, we might have had more of an advantage. [in terms] fairways hit, but now I think it’s just open for the bombers.
Saq
