Suzann Pettersen Named As 2023 European Solheim Cup Captain

"This is the biggest honour of my career,” the Norwegian says

Suzann Pettersen celebrates after holing the winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Suzann Pettersen has today been named as Europe's next captain for the 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Andalucia, Spain.

The two-time Major champion has represented Europe nine times as a player and twice as a vice-captain. She has been part of five winning teams, including the past two victories at Gleneagles in Scotland as a player and at Inverness Club in Ohio as a vice.

Pettersen famously holed the winning putt (and last shot of her career) to win the Solheim Cup in 2019 at Gleneagles. The 14.5-13.5 victory tied for the closest winning margin in Solheim Cup history. She was chosen by Catriona Matthew as a surprise captain's pick following following an 18-month maternity leave but delivered with one of the most thrilling moments ever seen in Solheim Cup history.

Pettersen returned to serve as a vice-captain under Matthew when Europe beat USA 15-13 to win for only the second time on US soil. Her first experience of being a vice-captain was at the 2017 Solheim Cup at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa, when she served under Annika Sorenstam.

The Norwegian made her Solheim Cup debut at Interlachen Golf and Country Club in Minnesota in 2002.  She played in the next seven editions, helping Europe to victory in 2003, 2011, 2013 and 2019.

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The former World No.2 has 21 times across the LET and LPGA Tours, including Majors at the 2007 McDonald’s LPGA Championship and the 2013 Evian Championship.

“I am simply thrilled to be named Solheim Cup Captain. This is the biggest honour of my career,” Pettersen said.

“My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup. You are out there with your team mates, your friends, and you all work for one goal. You fight for your friends and you share incredibly precious moments.  

“I have played with and under many wonderful captains since I made my debut in the competition 19 years ago. Every Solheim has been special in its own way. You make friendships for life and memories you’ll never forget.

“Every captain is different and brings their unique skills to the table. I am very much looking forward to bringing my experience to the role and working hard over the next 22 months to defend the Cup on Spanish soil.”

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV