It was 2015, the year when controversy met the biggest comeback ever at the biennial event. Nine years later, it still remains a tough memory for those involved, especially Alison Lee. It was her first and only Solheim Cup experience until now when she found her way back to the team to tee off against the squad led by Suzann Pettersen, the very person who was the source of her being “intimidated” back then.

“I’m not going to lie, I don’t think about it too often,” revealed the American athlete in an interview ahead of the upcoming Solheim Cup. She recalled how tough and intimidating it was at the moment when she had that issue with Pettersen back in the 2015 edition of the event. “I was a rookie on Tour,” recounted Lee. “I didn’t really know any of the girls on my team either. I wasn’t really good friends with them.” But even so, the squad rallied behind the then-20-year-old golfer to clinch the trophy for the first time in six years.

What, then, had actually happened back there with Pettersen, such that she had to apologize for the same issue after losing against America? It all took place on the second day of play in Germany at St. Leon-Rot. Alison Lee had teed off with Brittany Lincicome at the Saturday Fourballs against the likes of the current European skipper and Charley Hull. The U.S. team was behind by 4 points, and a birdie putt by the rookie could have brought her team 1-up with the 18th left to play. However, she missed, causing the pro to scoop up the spheroid with her hands from inside two feet.

The current European skipper wasn’t too pleased with her actions. She argued against the par putt that the golfer took while pointing out how it was not conceded. The officials agreed, much to the American’s disappointment, and gave the hole to their opponents, who finished the match 2-up. A peek back, and you’ll spot Alison Lee in tears. But the moment was soon followed by the whole team rallying behind her to clinch a comeback.

“Everyone thankfully just rallied behind me…” reminisced Lee. “And did everything they could to support me.” Expressing her gratitude to the whole American team that accompanied her on the greens back then, she added, “I was so lucky to have a great group of women around me who could support me and be there for me… It was just so nice to have a good group of women.” The rest of the team and she, surprisingly, used the push to claim 8.5 points on Sunday to capture the cup back from the Europeans. What about Pettersen, then? Apparently, the golfer, after facing immense criticism for her actions, issued an apology for the same after the event ended on Monday.

Suzann Pettersen’s apology to Alison Lee after the 2015 Solheim Cup

“I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of the battle and competition,” wrote the Norwegian pro on her Instagram as she expressed her regret for being unsportsmanlike. “I feel like I let my team down and I am sorry,” added the pro before addressing the U.S. team including Alison Lee, and apologizing for the issue. “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.”

Doubling down on her feelings of remorse, she then conveyed how sorry she was for the way she carried herself. “The Solheim Cup has been a huge part of my career. I wish I could change Sunday for many reasons,” conveyed the pro before realistically speaking, “Unfortunately I can’t.” Even so, Pettersen was determined to showcase her conviction for the same as she added, “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.”

Nine years later, the two will find themselves at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, but only one will be playing on the greens. Although the issue has been settled and the duo has moved on, will it inevitably push Alison Lee for a win this time around as well? The fans can only wait!