Golf digest

Pettersen to captain Europe's Solheim team

Suzann Pettersen will captain the European team at the Solheim Cup in 2023, the Ladies European Tour announced on Monday, with the Norwegian describing the appointment as the biggest honor of her career.

The former world No 2 is a double major champion and has represented Europe nine times as a player in the competition and twice as a vice-captain.

She was part of five triumphs against the United States, once as a non-playing assistant captain, and brings a wealth of experience to the side.

"I'm simply thrilled to be named Solheim Cup captain. This is the biggest honor of my career," said Pettersen.

"My best golfing memories are from the Solheim Cup. You're out there with your teammates, your friends, and you all work for one goal. You fight for your friends and you share incredibly precious moments."

The next edition of the biennial women's team tournament takes place from Sept 18-24, 2023 at Finca Cortesin in the heart of Spain's Costa del Sol.

Johnson, DeChambeau headline Asian showpiece

Reigning champion Dustin Johnson and major winners Bryson DeChambeau, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia will play next year's $5 million Saudi International, the Asian Tour said on Monday.

The tour, which recently struck a $200 million investment deal with Greg Norman and his ambitious Saudi backers, called it "the strongest field in its history".

The Saudi International, which takes place Feb 3-6 near Jeddah, was won by Johnson in 2019 and this year, when the tournament was sanctioned by the European Tour.

It is now the flagship event on the Asian Tour.

Other European and American stars who have signed up to play include Lee Westwood, Jason Dufner, Tommy Fleetwood and Xander Schauffele.

The Saudis' big move into golf has been viewed with suspicion among some, especially the PGA Tour and the European Tour, which has been rebranded the DP World Tour. Together they have formed a "strategic alliance".

Agencies