Suzann Pettersen has defended her actions which sparked a major row on the final day of the Solheim Cup.

The 34-year-old Norwegian was portrayed in a villainous light by the United States team after a controversial incident on the 17th hole of the fourball match she and Charley Hull were contesting against Brittany Lincicome and Alison Lee.

The clash was all square when Lee missed a birdie putt to win the 17th. Lee clearly believed the two-foot putt she left had been, or was certain to be, conceded, and scooped up her ball.

But Pettersen stressed it had not been given, and therefore the European pair won the hole, before also winning the 18th to claim a two-up victory.

The fired-up Americans dominated the singles to come back from 10-6 behind and lift the cup.

Pettersen was asked about the incident in a later press conference, and said: "We are all trying to win, to play golf. I totally respect the Americans and we totally respect the game.

"At that point of time at the match, and the putt she left, I thought I would still like to see it. If she had that putt to win the cup, I would still like to see it."

Asked whether she would do the same again, Pettersen said: "Totally."

She added that the incident was "unfortunate" and said: "Hopefully it never happens again."

Hull, 19, was in tears as the row escalated, but the Briton later denied she had been walking off the green, considering the putt conceded.

"I was walking over to Suzann to discuss whether or not to give the putt, and then I turned around and she picks it up," Hull said, in the press conference broadcast on golfchannel.com.

"I see a few people say I was walking off the green, but if you watch it again I was walking to Suzann.

"I felt for (Lee) because she picked it up and I felt really bad for what happened. I felt sorry for her but at the end of the day rules are rules."