Suzann Pettersen responds brutal when asked if she’ll ever captain Europe again as she accused Nelly korda of…

Suzann Pettersen responds when asked if she’ll ever captain Europe again after Solheim Cup defeat to USA

Suzann Pettersen’s response to whether she will captain the European Solheim Cup team again after the recent loss to the USA reveals a sense of uncertainty mixed with pride and personal fulfillment. Despite the defeat, Pettersen’s role in the competition remains a point of interest, especially as the European team fell just short of completing a remarkable comeback in Virginia.

The Solheim Cup, which pits the best female golfers from Europe against those from the USA, saw Europe entering the singles matches trailing 10-6. The USA had gained a significant advantage by winning both the opening sessions on Friday 3-1. This early dominance put them in a strong position heading into the crucial final 12 singles matches.

Despite the deficit, the European team showcased resilience and a fighting spirit on Sunday. Charley Hull made headlines with a notable victory over Nelly Korda, the world number one, who had been in formidable form throughout the tournament. Georgia Hall also contributed to Europe’s efforts with a win against Alison Lee. In another thrilling turn, Celine Boutier staged an impressive comeback to turn her match against Lexi Thompson around, adding to the suspense of the day.

However, despite these positive developments, the USA team swiftly reached the 13.5 points needed to secure victory, thanks to strong performances from players such as Megan Khang, Allisen Corpuz, and Rose Zhang. Lilia Vu’s crucial half-point against rookie Albane Valenzuela ensured that the USA clinched their first Solheim Cup win since 2017.

Pettersen, who had previously captained Europe to a Solheim Cup victory in Spain the year before, was asked in the post-match press conference if she would consider captaining the team again in the future. Her response was thoughtful yet non-committal. “I have no idea,” she said. “This is kind of the end of my term as far as I know, and I haven’t been promoted, so I cannot answer that question.”

Despite the uncertain future, Pettersen expressed heartfelt sentiments about her role as captain. She reflected on the personal satisfaction she gained from being involved with the team. “What I’ve loved the most about doing this, and I really mean that from the bottom of my heart, is even though I haven’t been competitive, playing week-in, week-out, I still feel like I’m part of the player group,” she said. Pettersen appreciated the opportunity to remain connected with her fellow golfers and enjoyed being part of the team’s journey, despite stepping away from regular competition herself.

As Europe begins to look ahead to the next Solheim Cup in the Netherlands in 2026, Pettersen’s record as captain will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Her tenure has included both successes and criticisms. While she managed to retain the trophy in Spain, her leadership this year was marked by a series of contentious decisions. For example, fans questioned her choice to leave Leona Maguire out of both sessions on Saturday, and some felt that putting Carlota Ciganda out in both foursomes sessions was a risky move that did not pay off. Additionally, players like Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark struggled to build on their initial successes, and Linn Grant failed to secure any points from her four matches.

As the European team evaluates their strategy and leadership for the upcoming Solheim Cups, potential new captains will be considered. Names such as Mel Reid, who has served as a vice-captain on multiple occasions, and Anna Nordqvist, who could be a strong candidate if Europe chooses to take a different approach, will likely be part of the discussion.

Despite the defeat, the close nature of the final day’s play showed that a few small changes could have led to a different outcome. Had some matches played out slightly differently, Pettersen might have been celebrating another remarkable comeback, which could have intensified calls for her to continue as captain.