Golf: Matthew to replace injured Pettersen for Europe at Solheim Cup

(Reuters) - Scotland's Catriona Matthew will replace injured Suzann Pettersen in Europe's Solheim Cup team at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines, captain Annika Sorenstam said on Wednesday. Norway's Pettersen was set to make her ninth appearance for the European team but withdrew because of a recurring back injury. "It's unfortunate that Suzann has to withdraw due to her back injury," Sorenstam said in a statement. "The Solheim Cup has been such an important part of her career. It was a very tough decision, but I am proud of her and she will still be a leader this week. "Catriona is a proven Solheim Cup performer who will be able to step right in and play with anybody. She's ready to go." Matthew, 47, took 19 points from 33 previous Solheim Cup matches played between 1998 and 2015. She was a member of three winning teams, in 2003, 2011 and 2013. The Solheim Cup, a biennial tournament contested by teams representing Europe and the U.S., begins on Friday. (Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru)