Europe’s Suzann Pettersen has issued an apology for her conduct in the delayed fourball at the Solheim Cup on Sunday.
In a widely-criticised incident, Pettersen claimed the 17th hole after American rookie Alison Lee mistakenly thought her two-footer had been conceded and picked up her ball.
The incident reduced both Lee and her opponent Charley Hull to tears amid claims of bad sportsmanship that Europe had not conceded from such a short distance.
Pettersen had been unrepentant following United States’ victory, stating: “I don’t want that to overshadow this event. I was clear. We wanted to see the putt. We were trying to win, and at that stage of the match with the putt she left, I’d like to see it hit.”
But Pettersen changed her stance in a lengthy statement on her Instagram account on Monday morning.
“I’ve never felt more gutted and truly sad about what went down Sunday on the 17th at the Solheim Cup,” she said.
“I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle and competition.
“I was trying my hardest for my team and put the single match and the point that could be earned ahead of sportsmanship and the game of golf itself! I feel like I let my team down and I am sorry.”
She added: “To the U.S. team, you guys have a great leader in Juli, who I’ve always looked up to and respect so much.
“I hope in time the U.S. team will forgive me and know that I have learned a valuable lesson about what is truly important in this great game of golf which has given me so much in my life.”
Solheim Cup: Fired-up United States reclaim trophy
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