It’s official: Matthew will lead Europe at another Solheim Cup
Catriona Matthew will have the chance to retain the Solheim Cup in 2021 after it was confirmed that she will captain Europe for the second time.
The Scot was at the helm at Gleneagles in September when Suzann Pettersen holed a clutch putt on the final hole to secure Solheim Cup victory.
The Ladies European Tour made the announcement at the site of 2019’s stunning win and confirmed that the next chapter for Matthew is to lead her team out at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, in Ohio, in two years time.
Speaking at the announcement, Matthew said: “Winning the Solheim Cup in Scotland was a dream come true, but backing that up with a win in America would be even better.
“It’s always harder to win on US soil, but I’m honoured to be tasked with the mission. I was lucky enough to be part of the first European team to win on US soil in 2013 and so know what’s possible.”
Matthew seems to be the sensible choice and there are parallels to be drawn between the current situation and that of the 2011 and 2013 Solheim Cups.
That first win in the US held further significance as it was the first time that Europe had successfully defended the Solheim Cup – Matthew was a key player in both and could that experience could prove to be valuable.
“The American team played extremely well at Gleneagles, but what we accomplished this year and what it meant to people all around the world will serve as further motivation.
“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.”
Her vice-captains and playing team were delighted with her captaincy last time out and Dame Laura Davies believes she is the right choice for the job.
She said: “Catriona was such a great captain that she deserves the chance to go and get the trophy back again. I am looking forward to another terrific contest in Ohio.”
Following the announcement Matthew confirmed that she has opted to take her original 2019 vice-captain selections to America.
This means her back room staff will be made up of Dame Laura Davies, Kathryn Imrie and Suzann Pettersen who was replaced in 2019 by Mel Reid when the Swede took up a playing role.
Is Catriona Matthew the right choice or was it someone else’s turn? Let us know in the comments below or you can tweet us.
Joe Hughes
Tour editor covering men's golf, women's golf and anything else that involves the word golf, really. The talk is far better than the game, but the work has begun to change that.
