Suzann Pettersen apology follows 2015 Solheim Cup rules controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 9:30 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

During the 2015 Solheim Cup, a rules incident occurred on the 17th green during a fourball match involving Suzann Pettersen, Charley Hull, and Alison Lee. Lee assumed her 18-inch putt was conceded after Hull walked toward the next tee, but Pettersen informed the official that the putt remained live, resulting in a hole win for Europe. The incident drew immediate criticism from figures including Juli Inkster and Laura Davies, with observers describing the action as a breach of sportsmanship. Both Pettersen and her teammate Hull were left in tears as the controversy unfolded on the green. Following the event, Pettersen issued a formal apology to the United States team and fans, acknowledging she prioritized the match point over the spirit of the game. The incident reportedly served as motivation for an American comeback to win the tournament.
- •Suzann Pettersen claimed a hole win after Alison Lee left a short putt unputted.
- •The 2015 incident prompted public criticism from American captain Juli Inkster and Dame Laura Davies.
- •Pettersen publicly apologized following the conclusion of the event.
- •Team USA rallied to win the Solheim Cup after trailing by four points entering the final day.
- 9:30 AMYahoo Sports — The Solheim Cup rules controversy that once reduced Charley Hull to tears and forced her teammate to apologize
"What separates golf from many other sports is its extreme emphasis on sportsmanship. It’s a game built on integrity and respect, where players call rulings on themselves and are expected to hold themselves to the highest standard in the spirit of competition.
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