Suzann Pettersen made the headlines holing the crucial winning putt at the Solheim Cup but within minutes had announced her retirement.

The 38-year-old world number 665 has since admitted the decision was not premeditated but a "fairytale ending to what was an amazing week".

"It just came to me as I was standing there with everyone," said the Norwegian. "It was not planned. I just grabbed the moment."

Pettersen, making her ninth appearance in the event, was only included in the team after being given a wildcard from European captain Catriona Matthew. 

Despite her taking two years out at the end of 2017 to have a baby, Matthew granted the two-time major champion a last minute slot - a decision that paid dividends late on Sunday afternoon as she holed a birdie on the 18th to defeat Marina Alex and clinch the title.

"I've always said it, the Solheims have meant the world to me..

"It's probably [given me] the biggest highlights of my career and being a part of that on Sunday on the 18th green, nothing is ever going to top it so I might as well leave on top and say enough is enough.

"For me, it was almost like a perfect stage to say goodbye to professional golf."

Europe's dramatic win at Gleneagles saw them regain the title for the first time since 2013 in Colorado and Pettersen was quick to attribute this to captain Matthew.

"I have to give credit to our captain Catriona Matthew

"She was outstanding - calm and collected, and she had the confidence we could go out and do it on Sunday."

She finished by saying: "I just want to thank her for the opportunity because not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that was going to happen again."