European Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen has signed up for her first appearance in the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco, raising the prospects of an intriguing showdown at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat on April 13-16.
The Norwegian golfer, a two-time Major winner, will be looking for her 22nd career title, having most recently lifted silverware at the 2015 Manulife LPGA Classic.
“I’m excited to play the Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam this year. It will be my first time to visit the Kingdom of Morocco and I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience,” said the 35-year-old Norwegian, who has earned more than $14 million in prize money over a 16-year professional career and is also a four-time runner-up in major championships.
Popularly known by her nickname ‘Tutta’, Pettersen reached a career-high No.2 in the world rankings after her victory in the Evian Championship in 2013 and held that position several times, most recently from August 2011 until February 2012.
With eight top-10 finishes in 20 starts, Pettersen enjoyed a solid 2016 season on the LPGA, but insisted her game turned around during the Olympic Games where she finished solo 10th on seven-under.
Since ringing in the New Year by marrying Christian Ringvold in her native Oslo in early January, Pettersen has made two starts on the LPGA in 2017, with a tie for 35th at the Kia Classic being her best finish.
The Lalla Meryem Cup will be Pettersen’s first start on the Ladies European Tour this season and her goal will be to qualify for a ninth appearance as part of the European Solheim Cup team heading to Des Moines , Iowa, in August under Captain Annika Sörenstam.
She is currently 21st on the World Rankings and seventh in line to qualify. The 12-woman team is made from the top four European LET members from the points’ list, followed by the next top four from the World Rankings and four captain’s selections. The European and United States teams will both be announced on Sunday 6th August following the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland where Europe will be looking for their second victory on US soil.
