Suzann Pettersen 'gutted and truly sad' about Solheim Cup controversy

Suzann Pettersen says she is "truly sad" about the controversy that overshadowed the Solheim Cup.

The Norwegian has come in for much criticism after denying she and teammate Charley Hull had conceded a 2-foot putt on the 17th hole of their four-ball match Sunday morning after Alison Lee of the U.S. team had picked up her ball.

Europe were awarded the hole and went on to win the match to take a 10-6 lead into the final day singles, but it was the Americans who eventually claimed the Cup with a stunning comeback, sealing a 14.5-13.5 victory.

Lee and Hull were left in tears after the incident, with Dame Laura Davies, working as a television pundit, saying she was "disgusted" by former teammate Pettersen's actions.

Pettersen has since apologizedvia Instagram.

"I've never felt more gutted and truly sad about what went down Sunday on the 17th at the Solheim Cup," she wrote.

"I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle and competition. I was trying my hardest for my team and put the single match and the point that could be earned ahead of sportsmanship and the game of golf itself!

"I feel like I let my team down and I am sorry."

Her post continued: "To the U.S. team, you guys have a great leader in Juli [Inkster], who I've always looked up to and respect so much. Knowing I need to make things right, I had a face to face chat with her before leaving Germany this morning to tell her in person how I really feel about all of this. I wanted her also to know that I am sorry.

"I hope in time the U.S. team will forgive me and know that I have learned a valuable lesson about what is truly important in this great game of golf which has given me so much in my life."

After Lee's birdie putt stopped less than two feet from the hole, she thought the European team conceded when Hull started walking away. Hull, however, said she had not been walking off the green but had gone over to consult with Pettersen to see whether they should concede or not.

By then, it was too late: Lee had already scooped up the ball, and Pettersen contended they had not conceded.

"I have never seen anything like it in my career. It's just not right," United States captain Inkster said after the incident. "You just don't do that to your peers. It's disrespectful.

''I saw Charley walking off and Suzann kind of turned her back and then Suzann said she did not give it to [Lee]."

Had the putt been conceded, the hole would have been halved and left the match all-square with one hole to play. Instead, Europe was awarded the hole, and went on to win the match.

"To the fans of golf who watched the competition on TV, I am sorry for the way I carried myself," Petterson continued on her Instagram post. "I can be so much better and being an ambassador for this great game means a lot to me. The Solheim Cup has been a huge part of my career. I wish I could change Sunday for many reasons. Unfortunately I can't.

"This week I want to push forward toward another opportunity to earn the Solheim Cup back for Europe in the right way. And I want to work hard to earn back your belief in me as someone who plays hard, plays fair and plays the great game of golf the right way."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.