Suzann Pettersen has withdrawn from the 2017 Solheim Cup, and she will be replaced on captain Annika Sorenstam's European team by vice-captain and designated alternate Catriona Matthew.
Pettersen has been dealing with some back issues since arriving in Des Moines, Iowa, for this biennial team event against the United States. On Tuesday, Matthew was practicing with the other 11 European players while Pettersen was scouting and practicing putting. On Wednesday, the Norwegian chose to pull out of the event.
Pettersen released a statement announcing her decision.
I arrived in Des Moines on Monday evening after receiving treatment for a recurrent slipped disc injury which occurred in Norway over the weekend. Despite receiving further treatment from the osteopath on site, I withdrew Wednesday morning due to experiencing persistent pain.
I have made this extremely difficult decision to help the European team and give my team mates the best possible chance of success. There was no guarantee that I would be fit to compete on Friday morning and I did not way to play unless I was able to give 100 percent. I truly love The Solheim Cup and I will stay and support my team this week in whatever way I can.
In her Solheim Cup career, Pettersen has played in eight matches, earning a stout 15-7-3 record.
