Catriona Matthew has been reappointed as the European Solheim Cup captain for the 2021 match in Ohio.
The celebrated Scot, who led Europe to a thrilling victory over the USA at Gleneagles in September, was unveiled as skipper for a second term at a news conference in the Perthshire resort this morning.
Matthew will attempt to become Europe’s first multiple Solheim Cup-winning captain. In September's transatlantic duel in the glen, the breathless contest would go down as a shimmering jewel in golfing history.
Matthew's European team battled to a 14 ½ - 13 ½ victory with Suzann Pettersen clinching the win with the very last putt on the final green of the final game.
A jubilant Matthew said that the triumph was the pinnacle of her career, even ‘blowing away’ her major victory in the 2009 Women’s British Open.
Reflecting on the dramatic victory and the task ahead, 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 at Colorado Golf Club in 2013 and so know what’s possible.
“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!
“Anyone who witnessed the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland can be left in no doubt that it was an outstanding international event which set a new benchmark for women’s golf, but this is the beginning of a new, two-year journey, so I’m going to gather all my experience, take it forward and do my best to bring the trophy home to Europe again in 2021.”
READ MORE: Europe clinch dramatic Solheim Cup win at Gleneagles
The 2019 European Solheim Cup team lavished praise on Matthew. Pettersen added: said: “I’m thrilled that Catriona is returning as captain. She’s a class act and obviously inspires all the players and team members around her. She’s not only a Solheim Cup legend, but she’s also a great leader, friend and mother. She had the faith in me to choose me as a wildcard pick, for which I will forever be grateful and she deserves all the credit.”
Dame Laura Davies, a vice-captain at Gleneagles, said: “Everyone enjoyed the match at Gleneagles so much and I think that 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.”
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