Catriona Matthew Named 2019 Solheim Cup Captain

Scotland’s very own Catriona Matthew has been unveiled as Europe’s Solheim Cup captain for the 2019 edition at Gleneagles.

The 48-year-old, a widely respected veteran of nine matches, was unquestionably the natural choice to lead the home team in Perthshire, taking on the honourable position just 80 miles from her residence of North Berwick.

It won’t be considered a surprise announcement, coming just weeks after Matthew – the 2009 Women’s British Open champion – bowed out of playing in the Cup after dramatically stepping up from a vice-captaincy role to replace the injured Suzanne Pettersen during the showpiece in Iowa. Though an unsuccessful week for Europe, it was a personally triumphant swansong for the Scot, who secured three points for Annika Sorenstam’s team in a performance reminiscent of her best.

The legendary Swede, who had stated that being captain was a one-time opportunity, delivered a glowing statement of approval for Matthew on Instagram.” I am very happy that Catriona was chosen as the next Solheim Cup captain for Team Europe,” the ten-time major winner said.

“She has had a wonderful Solheim Cup career and she deserves the opportunity to take on this prestigious role. With the next Solheim Cup taking place in Scotland, her home country, it’s the perfect scenario for her to lead the European Team. She helped us a lot over the past year as a vice captain, but then stepped in and won us three points as a player. Catriona is very well respected by the players, so she is a natural choice.”

.@Beany25 loves the #SolheimCup. Here are some of her key career stats .... pic.twitter.com/FBEU8kNKXZ

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 21, 2017

No one would argue with that, and anticipation will only be enhanced throughout the Home of Golf, coming to the venue that successfully hosted the Ryder Cup three years ago. Gleneagles is the most tranquil of settings, and hopes will be pinned on a Scottish captain driving further interest and excitement into an event that has become the most popular and lucrative in the women’s game.

Having lost the last two Solheim Cups, Europe will be facing a formidable challenge to overcome an inevitably impressive American squad, but there are reasons for the continent to be optimistic. The likes of Georgia Hall and Charley Hall have developed into two of the game’s most notable young stars, with Anna Nordqvist recently picking up her second major championship at The Evian.

Backed by a fervent home support in the Glens of Perthshire, there is every chance that Catriona Matthew’s successful association with the Solheim Cup will be capped off by a memorable victory on home soil.