As excitement builds for the Ryder Cup in Medinah and another European victory, we look back on The Solheim Cup glory at Killeen Castle on this day last year, September 25th 2011.

Stunning, dramatic and, finally, a day of celebration for the European team at The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle in Ireland. Following rain delays, lightning threats and the shock withdrawal of Cristie Kerr due to injury before the start of her match, Europe finally regained the Solheim Cup in thrilling fashion with 15-13 defeat over the USA.

It all came down to the last three singles matches and a dramatic final half hour. The scoreboard was favouring the USA, but the pendulum swung firmly in Europe’s favour.

Suzann Pettersen was immense against Michelle Wie taking a one hole win on 18

Azahara Munoz had the honour of clinching the vital point in the final match with a one hole win over Angela Stanford.

In the second last singles, Caroline Hedwall, two down two to play against Ryann O’Toole, won the last two holes for a vital half point.

Suzann Pettersen had started the great fightback. One down with three to play against Michelle Wie, she pulled out a final-hole win.

The world No.2 birdied the final three holes, holing from eight feet at the last. It was a first ever Solheim singles win for the 30-year-old Norwegian, and the perfect time to achieve it.

For Alison Nicholas’s European team the 7-5 singles score meant it was a fourth win from 12 contests, and they will go to Colorado Golf Club in two years’ time hoping to win in the USA for a first time.

Overall score: Europe 15 USA 13

The 2013 captain, LiseLotte Neumann will be looking to repeat the success of Alison Nicholas’s team as she leads the way in Colorado, assisted by Swedish duo Carin Koch and Annika Sorenstam.

The 2013 Solheim Cup points race began immediately after the victory at Killeen Castle, with the Lacoste French Open being the first qualifying event. The current team selection criteria of top 4 from the LET Solheim Points list, top 4 from Rolex Rankings, and 4 captain’s picks currently includes 4 of last years champions in Pettersen, Munoz, Matthew and Nordqvist.

Solheim rookies Caroline Masson, Giulia Sergas, Pernilla Lindberg and Carly Booth take the current top 4 LET Solheim Cup spots.

With points increasing in 2013, it will once again be a fight for places leading to the final qualifying event of Ricoh Women’s British Open in the home of Golf, St. Andrews August 1st – 4th.