Solheim Cup: Suzann Pettersen has no fears over form at Gleneagles
Suzann Pettersen has insisted that she will justify the decision to award her captain’s pick for the week’s Solheim Cup.
Pettersen was the surprise name one of Catriona Matthew’s four selections for the contest at Gleneagles, with the veteran having played just two championships in taking a rest from the game because of the birth of her child.
Nevertheless, the 38-year-old, who was initially named as one of Matthew’s vice-captains, declared her game was in”good shape” as she prepares to make her ninth look in the Solheim Cup.
“If this possible pick came , I had been quite honest with the full captain’s crew,” said Pettersen, who’s battling a throat infection. “It was slightly hard because I had been kind of a part of it too, being a vice-captain.
“But I feel like I have been very honest in where I felt my game was at the time and when it was likely to be great enough on a stage in this way.
“However, I’m blessed to have been chosen and I have not really thought more about that. My golf game is in good shape, and being it feels as though I never left the game, which is pleasant.
“I don’t know whether it’s the atmosphere, the power or everything that Solheim is all about that constantly kind of brings out the very best of all of us. The team atmosphere has been the best, I believe, I’ve been part of.
“It’s fun to be around these new kids that are so energetic and really good golfers. It is interesting. And it’s a lot better playing being a vice-captain, a good deal less stressful being in control within the ropes.”
Pettersen also played down the significance of the group containing six rookies and was determined that Europe would not be taking the opposition lightly despite their inexperience.
“I really don’t think they are rookies on these two teams, they’re all fantastic golfers,” she added. “They have all kind of demonstrated they belong on every group.
“I do remember myself being a rookie back in 2002. It had been nerve-racking, yes, but that’s a part of the game. However, skills-wise, I suggest, they’re as good as anybody else. I just believe the beginner tag type of becoming overused a small bit.”