Solheim Cup: Injured Suzann Pettersen replaced by Catriona Matthew
Written by News on 16/08/2017
Europe have suffered a huge blow ahead of the Solheim Cup as Suzann Pettersen has been ruled out of the contest in Iowa.
Pettersen emerged as a doubt on Tuesday when a back injury prevented her from joining her team-mates for a practice round at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, while vice-captain Catriona Matthew did play as a precaution.
But European captain Annika Sorenstam has now confirmed that Matthew will be forced into action for the ninth time in the contest as she replaces Pettersen, who was due to make her ninth consecutive appearance.
Pettersen revealed that she had undergone treatment for a slipped disc which she suffered in her native Norway over the weekend before she boarded the flight to Iowa.
But after further treatment from the team osteopath on site, the two-time major champion decided she would be unable to take part in the 15th Solheim Cup this week.
"I have made this extremely difficult decision to help the European team and give my team mates the best possible chance of success," said the 36-year-old, who is now expected to take over Matthew’s assistant captaincy role.
"There was no guarantee that I would be fit to compete on Friday morning and I did not want to play unless I was able to give 100 per cent. I truly love The Solheim Cup and I will stay and support my team this week in whatever way I can."
Sorenstam added: "It’s unfortunate that Suzann has to withdraw due to her back injury. The Solheim Cup has been such an important part of her career. It was a very tough decision, but I am proud of her and she will still be a leader this week.
"Catriona is a proven Solheim Cup performer who will be able to step right in and play with anybody. She’s ready to go."
Matthew was named as first alternate after being overlooked for a captain’s pick earlier this month, and she will add valuable experience to the European team as they look to atone for defeat in Germany two years ago.
The veteran Scot has played in 33 matches, earning 19 points, and holed the winning putt in 2003 in Sweden before going on to play key roles in further European victories in 2011 and 2013.
(c) Sky News 2017: Solheim Cup: Injured Suzann Pettersen replaced by Catriona Matthew
