When people reflect on Europe’s defeat in last week’s Solheim Cup, it is likely that Suzann Pettersen’s decision to sit Leona Maguire out of three sessions will be looked back upon as one of the really costly errors made by the captain at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Europe are dealing with defeat for the first time since 2017 after Stacy Lewis’ USA side capitalised on a brilliant first day to get across the line and win 15.5-12.5 in Gainesville. While Lewis’ side appeared to be a well-oiled machine over the first four sessions, Europe seemed to be simply fighting for every crumb of comfort.
Certainly, Suzann Pettersen seemed to make some interesting decisions, including using Emily Pedersen in all five sessions, while Linn Grant and Carlota Ciganda took one point between them across eight matches. And of course, few could understand why Pettersen sat Maguire out of both sessions on Saturday.
Maguire had played five sessions in both of her previous Solheim Cup appearances – and won seven times. And while she struggled on Friday afternoon, it was still a shock to see her not involved at all on the second day.
Leona Maguire issues her verdict on Suzann Pettersen after the Solheim Cup
There was a feeling that Pettersen felt that Maguire was too short a hitter for the Virginia course. But Maguire sent a real message to her captain by beating Ally Ewing 4&3 in the singles as Europe threatened the most remarkable comeback.
The dust is now settling on the drama of another fantastic Solheim Cup, with many of those involved now in Ohio for the Kroger Queen City Championship – including Maguire. And after her first round – a five under par 67 – she was asked about whether she had made a statement to Pettersen with her performance.
“No, I mean, me and Suzann are on very good terms. I have a lot of respect for her. She was a hero of mine growing up. Ultimately it was her decision last week. She did what was best for the team,” she said.
“I would’ve been happy to sit out every match if it meant we brought back the trophy. I knew my game was in good shape. Showed that in the singles last week, and just trying to finish off the season as strong as I can.”
What made the captain’s decision particularly baffling
Maguire playing more may not have changed much in terms of the overall result. Ultimately, she did struggle on Friday afternoon, and Ally Ewing is someone who has now lost 12 of her 16 Solheim Cup matches.
But when you consider that just two players in the European team were unbeaten after day one, it seems strange that Maguire was the one to suffer – along with Albane Valenzuela who also did not feature on Saturday.
What makes Pettersen’s decision all the more perplexing was the fact that she did pick Maguire for all five sessions at Finca Cortesin, with the 29-year-old winning three points.
The two events were at different courses, and Pettersen may have felt that Maguire could not make the statement off the tee that Europe potentially needed after their nightmare start. But it seemed to be the most disappointing decision made in what proved to be a tough week for the Norwegian.
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