Norwegian star to lead Team Europe at Finca Cortesín, in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol

“This is the biggest honour of my career” said  Suzann Pettersen who has today been named as the European Captain for the 2023 Solheim Cup

Norwegian Suzann Pettersen has today been named as the European Captain for the 2023 Solheim Cup, during an official venue handover and press conference at Finca Cortesín, in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, Andalucía, where the next match will take place from September 18-24, 2023.

The two-time Major champion is synonymous with the Solheim Cup, having represented Europe nine times as a player and twice as a vice-captain.

She has been part of five triumphs, including the past two victories at Gleneagles in Scotland and at Inverness Club in Ohio.

2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles

At the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, following an 18-month maternity leave, she was chosen by Catriona Matthew as a captain’s pick and, when the match came down to a sevenfoot birdie putt on the final hole on Sunday under the ultimate pressure, Pettersen famously drained it to bring the Cup home to Europe for the first time since 2013.

The 14.5-13.5 victory tied for the closest winning margin in Solheim Cup history and she retired from competition immediately afterwards, saying “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

In September this year, following the arrival of her second child, Pettersen returned to serve as a vice-captain under Matthew when Team Europe beat Team USA 15-13 to win for only the second time on US soil.

Her first experience of being a vice-captain was at the 2017 Solheim Cup at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa, when she served under Annika Sorenstam. Pettersen had been due to have a playing role but due to injury, she swapped roles with Matthew just before the contest began.

As a player, Pettersen made her Solheim Cup debut at Interlachen Golf and Country Club in Minnesota in 2002, during her rookie year on the Ladies European Tour.

She played in the next seven editions, helping Europe to victory in 2003, 2011 and 2013, before returning in 2019 for a starring role when she holed the winning putt, which she rates as the greatest putt of her career.

The former Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Number Two has collected 21 professional titles across the LET and LPGA Tours, including Majors at the 2007 McDonald’s LPGA Championship and the 2013 Evian Championship, yet her most cherished memories have been forged when playing for passion, pride and friends in the Solheim Cup.

“I am simply thrilled to be named Solheim Cup Captain. This is the biggest honour of my career,” Pettersen said.

“My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup. You are out there with your team mates, your friends, and you all work for one goal. You fight for your friends and you share incredibly precious moments."

“I have played with and under many wonderful captains since I made my debut in the competition 19 years ago. Every Solheim has been special in its own way. You make friendships for life and memories you’ll never forget."