Pettersen thinks big
Pettersen scored two valuable points, one each in the foursomes and the fourballs, as the Eurostars built up a slender one-point lead at the end of day one of this three-day test.
Scotland’s Catriona Matthew was the ‘woman of the match’ with a run of five straight birdies as she partnered rookie Sandra Gal to a half against Christina Kim and Ryann O’Toole in the fourballs.
But Pettersen, last out in both sessions, and her morning partner Sophie Gustafson were the only two Europeans to return maximum points on the day.
The world number two, the highest ranked player in the field, combined with Gustafson to defeat American vice-captain Juli Inkster and Brittany Lang on the 18th hole of their morning foursomes encounter.
The Norwegian superstar then partnered Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist to the 18th hole fourball win over Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie which ensured that narrow overnight advantage.
On a day when Europe looked set to paint the town blue just like the Dubs — particularly when they dominated the scoreboard midway through the afternoon session — Pettersen was happy to finish with the lead and delighted with what she saw on this imposing Jack Nicklaus design.
“What I saw today absolutely reinforces my belief that Europe can win this Solheim Cup,” said 2011 Ladies Irish Open champion Pettersen. “Our rookies went out there today and did us proud. Caroline Hedwall and Sophie Gustafson had a brilliant win in the afternoon. Sandra Gal got her half point and I think Mel Reid and Laura Davies kind of felt robbed on the last.
“There was a lot of blue on the board at times and we have momentum going into Saturday. It was a tough day in tough conditions.
“Our goal is to win every day and we won today. That’s a good start.”
European captain Alison Nicholas was just as emphatic as her star turn that this can be Europe’s year after a testing first day at the office for this team — and she had words of comfort for England’s Mel Reid as well.
“I absolutely go along with Suzann that everything we saw today backs up the belief that we can win this Solheim,” stated Nicholas.
“All my players are up for it and today proved they are playing well. Suzann’s putt on the 18th this morning was pure class, real quality.
“I jumped up so high in the air after that one that I got a fright and became scared of heights. But I’m really happy.”
Rookie Reid experienced a roller coaster of Solheim emotions as a poor finish, alongside Karen Stupples, allowed Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome to snatch victory on the 18th in the morning. Reid and Laura Davies then suffered a similar fate against Creamer and Morgan Pressel in the afternoon fourballs.
“Mel gave it 100% out there and to criticise her is hard and unfair,” said Nicholas. “I saw her in the locker room and she was fine.
“I wouldn’t be hard on her. She is a great team member and she will come out fighting after that.”
Europe also found another new ally yesterday — the Irish autumn and the weather that goes with it as the wind shook the barley in County Meath.
US stars Creamer and Pressel took more than five-and-a-half hours to finally see off Davies and Reid and the seasonal weather was a factor.
“One of the reasons it was so slow was because it was blowing 35 miles per hour and there were lots of decisions to be made,” said Creamer, a morning and afternoon winner for the US.
“This Irish weather is an advantage for Europe, oh yes. We don’t play with mittens on, constantly taking your jacket on and off, swinging in layers of clothing.”
US captain Rosie Jones admitted the conditions were tough for her team in the afternoon but praised them for digging deep as they kept Europe’s lead down to just a point.
“My team showed a lot of heart to come back when there was a lot of blue on the scoreboard in the fourballs,” said Jones.
“We came back with some good wins right towards the end there.
“I just can’t give those girls enough credit for digging it out when they really needed to.”
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