Few in sport have enjoyed a more spectacular walk-off moment than Suzann Pettersen. That winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup, after a 20-month break from competition, instantly changed her from villainess of the match-play spectacle to beloved heroine.
The legendary moment prompted longtime sponsor Dow to put together a documentary entitled “Her Final Putt – Suzann Pettersen’s Story.” The 30-minute program aired on CBS earlier this month.
The 39-year-old Norwegian won 15 times on the LPGA, including two majors, and compiled a 18-12-6 record in nine Solheim Cup appearances.
Golfweek recently caught up with Pettersen to talk about retirement, scaling the cliffs of Norway, that magical putt and raising Herman.
Here are excerpts from that conversation:
I always find it hard to talk about myself believe it or not. I‘ve never been a person who kind of reflected too much about what I’ve done. I’ve always kind of looked ahead, chasing the next goal. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect back over the last six, seven months. When they did put (my story) into a TV program, it was almost a nice way to kind of go over your career as well.
At the time when it came about, I felt like it had already been so much focus about the last putt and like the mic drop and everything. I thought, have they not had enough of me?
They obviously wanted to put a different touch to the story. It was kind of good to kind of let the guard down and let people really know what I had on my heart. I had a to go a few rounds with myself to get comfortable, but as we got started, I don’t think they needed to ask too many questions.
I know Carlota (Ciganda), when she first met me was scared to death to talk to me, and she has obviously turned out to be one of my best friends from the LPGA. Thankfully that perspective has changed (laughs).
I haven’t been too emotional, but when I see other people getting emotional about me not playing anymore and seeing almost Anna (Nordqvist) having a tear in her eye talking about how she’s going to miss having us around … it makes me a little bit emotional.
I’ve always been scared to death of Webby (Karrie Webb). The last person you want to piss off is Webby. You don’t want to try and reach a par 5 in two and she’s on the green in the group ahead of you. You know you’re in trouble, but more in a fun way. Not really intimidated.
I always looked up to the generation above us. Annika was like half a generation older than me. I feel like when I look back, I was very fortunate to compete against Rosie Jones, Michele Redman, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon, Beth Daniel. Now it’s a different group of girls on tour, and I’ve kind of been a part of a few changes in generations that have played on the LPGA lately.
What drives me now? I’m involved with a lot of different projects. I only do things that I feel like are really challenging and fun. But I haven’t really been in a position where I felt that adrenaline, the way you feel on the first tee. I don’t know if I’m going to find something that will give me the same kind of drive.
I did go on a hike last week, climbing. I have to say I haven’t been that focused since that last putt. I was so mentally tired after climbing because I’m scared of heights and I had to work so hard on myself mentally. I couldn’t look down once. I was just looking up and ahead. I was so drained finishing that climb. I like to challenge myself. I like to break new barriers or new things that I’m not too comfortable doing and try to become better. I still have that drive.
We went from sea level and climbed to 1,200 meters. For the first part you walk about 500 meters, but it’s like literally walking up a ski slope. Most people stop before they start climbing because they get so physically tired from the walk. And then climbing, you are self-secured. We were recommended that it would take us four to five hours and we got up in two hours and 40 minutes. Obviously, I was trying to push it … I still have the competitive edge in me.
It happened to be that one putt that defined the entire Solheim in 2019. It could’ve easily been Bronte’s match behind me or Anna’s being the last of the single. It happened to be the 10th match between Marina (Alex) and myself. I was just happy to be right in the mix of it. But at the same time when I walked up to the 18th, I just remember telling myself you’re getting too old for this.
My first win at Kingsmill in 2007 was big for me. I’d just come off of Kraft Nabisco where I kind of was leading, I don’t know three shots with three holes to play, and I kind of fumbled coming down the stretch. I learned so much from that. I did such a good job analyzing and learning from the mistakes I made and within a few tournaments I was in the same situation and I managed to pull off the win.
I remember winning in Thailand when I went head-to-head with Laura Davies. Coming up 18, I eagled, and she birdied. I just remember that double fist-pump right in her face. Every time I see her she keeps reminding me of that double fist-pump right in her face.
I don’t know if I had too many regrets. I’ve obviously done my mistakes, but I feel like I’ve owned them, and I’ve learned from it and I think that’s the most important think you can take from doing what we do for a living. You’re not going to make perfect decisions or the perfect step every single day of your life. As long as you can kind of own whatever you decide to do and then learn from it … that’s what I’ve kind of come to peace with.
Lorena was a feisty competitor. When she was in the hunt, she most of the time got it done.
She was one of those players that when she stopped playing, I really missed having her around. As much as she was a great competitor, she was also a fun friend. She was probably a bit more relaxed than me tournament days, but early in the week we had a lot of fun. A lot of jokes back and forth. When we were paired together, we usually had bets going. We made it a more relaxed atmosphere.
I remember going head-to-head with her in Mexico one year. I think I was like 24 under par and she ended up being 26 under par, something like that. We were miles ahead of the next (person). We just got the best out of each other.
There’s a few things I‘ve come to realize. I really do miss the structure in my daily life. Because I was so determined and focused and I always knew what to do at what time. Obviously, my life is not quite like that anymore. I miss maybe the feel of the adrenaline, getting ready, getting geared up to play tournaments.
I don’t miss the hard work, the frustrating work, the hours where you feel like, oh god can I just jump this phase and get straight into where I really feel comfortable?
It’s been nice to not have to wake up with a guilty feeling of have you done enough? Are you not ready?
I miss the girls. I miss the caddies, the chit chat on the range, being in the mix of everything that’s going on. That part I miss. … I think once a competitor, always a competitor. I feel like I’ve grinded enough over my years.
Just thinking about (playing again) makes me nervous right now. It’s all about preparation. If you feel like your game is up for it, but that takes a lot of work and a lot of decision. As of now I’m not quite there. Who knows, I might play a pro-am or two, but if I’m going to turn up in a competition, not on my radar as of now.
I feel like I was a tough but fair competitor. Feisty. It’s kind of hard to say, but I probably opened a few doors to make younger girls, guys realize that it’s possible to be really good. It’s been fun to kind of see the generation growing and the new talents that are coming up. Ever since I kind of retired, Viktor Hovland has kind of taken over. I think Norway is really good hands when it comes to the interest in golf.
What is Herman up to? Everything and nothing. He’s literally nonstop 24/7, running around. I tried to get him to on the golf course, but he’s likes to kick the ball more than hit or swing. So far, he’s a very active little boy. Hard to pick what his actual interests are going to be but something with a ball I think.
He has my temperament, unfortunately. (laughs) No, he’s a very easy boy, a very easy child.
My ego is gone. It’s not like I walk around and think about it, but my priority is not on myself anymore. I think that’s quite natural when you have a child. It kind of feels good as well. I feel like I’ve been enough self-driven over the years that it’s very nice to now take care of your family, be a wife and be a mom. It’s been a blessing to be honest.
Now he’s turning 2 at the beginning of August. It’s starting to get really fun.