European Captain Catriona Matthew hailed her 12 players after they completed an incredible turnaround on the final day to win The 2019 Solheim Cup.
Matthew, who orchestrated the win on home soil at Gleneagles, described the 14½-13½ triumph as a “dream come true”.
“It’s a fantastic moment,” said the 50-year-old. “It’s a dream come true. These 12 players played their hearts out. We knew it was going to be close today, but to come down to that last putt and for Suzann (Pettersen) to hole it – it was a fantastic team performance. They all contributed a lot. We never would have won it if it wasn’t all of us.
“I could barely watch, actually. It’s far worse watching. When you’re playing you’re kind of in the zone and in the moment, and you’ve got control over things. But watching you just have to faith in the player who’s there, and they’re all good players. I had confidence they were going to do it
Hailing Pettersen’s putt on the 18th which clinched the win for Team Europe, Matthew said: “Over the last, I don’t know how long, 20 years maybe, maybe 15, she’s been one of the trailblazers in European women’s golf. I think we’ve played on seven or eight Solheim Cups together. She’s just been a huge part of women’s golf and The Solheim Cup.
The 2009 Women’s British Open champion also reserved special praise for England’s Georgia Hall and rookie Celine Boutier of France, who together won three points from three in the foursomes and fourballs, then both emerged victorious from their singles matches.
“Obviously Celine and Georgia winning four from four – to come and do that in your first Solheim Cup, hats off and what a tremendous performance, Celine.
“We thought Celine’s got a great short game, is a great putter, and Georgia loves hitting her longer irons. They have similar-ish personalities, so we felt it was a natural fit.”
