Solheim Cup: Win for Europe must not paper over slow play issue

The form of Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier (another inspired wildcard) who both won four matches out of four provide further cause for celebration – especially for the English player, who has struggled for much of this year.

This was a massive week for the 23-year-old from Bournemouth, who tenaciously reminded us of the world-class credentials that brought her last year’s Women’s British Open title.

Gleneagles may prove a career turning point that puts her firmly back on track.

Her compatriot Bronte Law is another who can power on from this triumph. Already a winner on the LPGA Tour, the player from Stockport showed genuine steel on her debut to grab the win that set up Pettersen’s big moment.

These individual triumphs offer cause for optimism, but the women’s game must address its pace of play to have any chance of prospering.

Amid the celebratory scenes it would be easy for the miserable six-hour rounds on Saturday afternoon to fade from the memory, but they must not.

Yes conditions were brutal, but there was still no excuse.

The men’s European Tour says it is getting tough on the slow coaches, there are potential moves too on the PGA Tour but the LPGA and LET have to get ahead of the game.

Referees have to police pace of play with penalties for those who take too long because they are ruining the spectacle. And Gleneagles last Sunday proved golf – and women’s golf in particular – is highly watchable.

That creates opportunities to arrest decline, build the game and take advantage of the growing movement for female sport.

But if the action is allowed to remain as turgidly slow as it was in both the Friday and Saturday fourball sessions then golf has no chance of capitalising.

That would be a travesty in the wake of a landmark victory such as the one we have just witnessed.