Solheim Cup: Europe overwhelms US in exciting finish

The Norwegian Pettersen embraced opponent Alex Alex before falling into the arms of her European teammates on the 18th green in Gleneagles, Scotland, after her winning putt Europa 14.5-13.5 victory in the biennial team competition.

It was Europe's first victory since 2013 and sixth in the 16 games held since the competition – similar to the Ryder Cup for men between Europe and the US – started in 1990.

The 38-year-old Pettersen , a two-time head champion, later announced her retirement for professional golf.

"This is it, I am all set," Pettersen – a controversial wildcard choice – told reporters at a jovial news conference with her triumphant teammates.

"I think this is the perfect end to my professional career, it is not getting any better and doing it with these girls is great."

Pettersen's winning six-foot putt for a win of 1 over Alex crowned a tumultuous final day in which Europe won the last three games to overhaul the visitors, who had to win 14 points to keep the trophy.

After 45 minutes, Europe faced 4.5-3.5 games and four four-ball games on Friday's opening day, but the teams were 8-8 right after Saturday's action in Gleneagles, host of the Ryder Cup 2014.

But USA won five and halved one of the first nine singles games Sunday leads 13.5-11.5 for the strong finish of Europe.

"All 12 players played their hearts out. We would not have won if we were not all there," said Europe & # 39; s Scottish captain Catriona Matthew.