Matthew retains Solheim Cup captaincy

Catriona Matthew will remain as captain of Europe’s Solheim Cup team for the 2021 contest in Ohio. Scottish star Matthew led the European Team to their first victory in the event since 2013 during this year’s thrilling one-point success over Team USA at Gleneagles. Matthew described leading Europe to that victory as the pinnacle of her career, surpassing her sole major success at the Women’s British Open in 2009, although she feels following up that triumph by leading Europe to glory on US soil would be an even greater achievement. “Winning the Solheim Cup in Scotland was a dream come true, but backing that up with a win in America would be even better,” Matthew told Sky Sports. “It’s always harder to win on US soil, but I’m honoured to be tasked with the mission.” Matthew also won three of her nine Solheim Cups as a player, including in 2013 when she was part of the European team that claimed their first and so far, only victory on US soil at Colorado Golf Club. The 2021 Solheim Cup will take place at Inverness Club in Ohio and Matthew is hoping the Scottish-sounding name of the venue will be a good omen for her team. The 50-year-old added: “I’m excited to get down to business, build the next team and see what Europe is capable of at Inverness Club. It’s a very Scottish name, so I’m hoping that’s a good omen!”