‘Less In-Your-Face, But 100% Prepared’: Former Captain Suzann Pettersen’s Take On Europe’s Solheim Cup Leader

For the first time since 2001, Suzann Pettersen is approaching a Solheim Cup without a formal role in Team Europe. The Norwegian icon, synonymous with some of the most high-drama moments in golf history, including her fairytale winning putt at Gleneagles in 2019, has spent over two decades carrying the European flag as a player or two-time leader.

I sat down with the former Solheim Cup star, who now channels her energy into running her female-focused management agency, VOXA, while giving back to the game as the global ambassador for The Alto Club Golf Academy at Sotogrande. We discussed the realities of a captain's role, the learning curves of team leadership, and what she expects from this year's European captain, Anna Nordqvist.

"It’s kind of a little bit weird to be completely on the sidelines," Pettersen reflects. "I’ve been a part of every single one since 2001 in some capacity. It's weird not being on the inside, but it’s exciting. Bernardus looks like it’s going to be a tough test, and seeing the shift with new players coming through on both sides is very healthy."

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Loss Of Control And Managing 12 Individuals

Having led Europe through back-to-back captaincies, Pettersen admits that captaincy forced a profound personal shift. Known for her fiercely competitive and direct approach, stepping off the fairways tested her in ways hitting a tight approach shot never could.

"The hardest part initially was to sit on the sideline, not having control over what was happening," Pettersen admits. "You lead the players to the first tee, and then off they go. What happens from the first tee to the 18th hole, you have no control over. Sitting on the sideline is a lot more nerve-wracking than having a golf club in your hands."

Beyond watching the golf unfold, for Pettersen the single most challenging aspect of leadership was learning to navigate 12 distinct personalities and accepting that not everyone operates the same way she does.

"What I learned from being captain is that every human being has their own way of doing things," Pettersen reflects. "You have to accept that and respect that. That was probably the most challenging part - getting 12 individuals to kind of work towards one goal. It was fun when we got it going, but it was definitely hard."

Crucially, that meant adapting her direct communication style to suit each player’s needs, even when it meant delivering tough news.

"It's the hardest thing, you can't please all 12 players," she says. "That was heartbreaking. As much as you want to send all 12 players out at all times, you only have so many spots available, and someone is going to get disappointed. Some players want just the facts straight in their face with no bullshit, and others need a softer, more caring approach. That was hard for me because I like to just say it as it is and be done with it. I learned a lot about myself."

Learning From The Greats

That self-awareness came in part from observing the leaders who came before her. Pettersen points to the lineage of European captaincy - a torch passed down from Annika Sorenstam to Catriona Matthew, and now to Anna Nordqvist, as the backbone of the team's ongoing success.

When asked what advice she passed along to Nordqvist, Pettersen emphasised the single biggest lesson she took from her own time playing under Catriona "Beanie" Matthew during Europe's historic back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2021.

"She needs to bring her DNA that she truly owns, because that's going to go a long, long way with the players," Pettersen says. "That's definitely something I really appreciated with Beanie. She was herself 100% from the very start to the end. It was easy to relate to because you always knew she wasn't trying to be anything else but herself. She was so easy to be around."

It was a lesson echoed in Pettersen's conversations with Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup leaders alike: "You can base a lot on stats and analytics, but at the end of the day, if you want to find peace when you go to bed, you have to follow your instincts and trust your gut."

Full Faith In Nordqvist's Leadership

Pettersen speaks with immense admiration about the character, work ethic, and advantage Nordqvist brings to the role as an active player on tour.

"I’m 100% sure Anna is going to do it fantastically," Pettersen says. "She is such a dedicated girl with a huge heart. Whatever philosophy she decides to go with, she’s going to go 100% with it."

Crucially, Pettersen points out that Nordqvist’s active playing career gives her a direct pipeline to the team room that Pettersen herself lacked during her tenure.

"She’s still out on tour, which is so helpful," Pettersen explains. "She’s around all the girls all the time - that was maybe one thing that I was less of in the last couple of years. It’s so important to keep that close, first-hand connection with the players."

Predicting a distinct shift in style between her own fiery nature and Nordqvist’s calmer demeanour, Pettersen sees quiet strength in Europe's new leader:

"Anna might be less 'in-your-face' than I was because I’m a bit fierier. I picture her being a little quieter, but extremely well prepared - her notebooks are probably already full!"

The Backroom Magic

Nordqvist’s leadership strategy is built on human chemistry, starting with her choice of vice-captains. At the centre of her backroom team is Caroline Hedwall -one of Nordqvist’s oldest and closest friends.

"She’s brought Caro, who’s one of her dear friends," Pettersen notes. "They played junior golf and literally did the golfing journey together. They’ve shared so many great memories from the tour and the Solheim, so it’s always special to share an experience like this with someone you're so close to."

To complement Nordqvist’s calm demeanour and Hedwall’s quiet familiarity, Nordqvist has brought in Mel Reid and Anne van Dam.

"Anne van Dam and Mel Reid will bring that killer energy and get right in your face, while Anna leads with that quiet, calm, prepared heart," Pettersen smiles. "Thank God there’s only one Mel Reid, but you definitely want her on your side! Together with Caro, they’ve got a fantastic setup."

A Blueprint Built On Friendship

While leadership styles change, Pettersen remains confident that the foundational DNA of European golf will carry through at Bernardus.

"The European blueprint is friendship," Pettersen says. "We don't come together once every two years and try to learn to play for each other. These girls are great friends to start with. They care for each other, and that gives us an initial edge. We’ve been very good at passing on that torch of leadership. Players like Charley Hull are taking on that responsibility now, taking the new ones under their wing. That culture isn't a blueprint you write down, it’s just how it goes."

While Anna Nordqvist will undoubtedly bring her own quiet, meticulously prepared style to the role, she inherits a group bound by genuine friendship and a shared refusal to give up. And as Pettersen knows better than anyone, that is precisely what makes Team Europe so dangerous.