Europe’s chances of retaining the Solheim Cup at Interlachen this year took a boost with the unfortunate news of American Dottie Pepper’s forced withdrawal from this year’s clash at Interlachen, Minnesota from September 20-22.

Pepper, who is renowned for her fiery play and outspoken comments both on and off the course, has suffered with a recurring shoulder ligament injury dating back to surgery she underwent in March and the 17-time winner on the LPGA will miss the remainder of the 2002 season.