Thursday 21 September 2017 22:32, UK
Catriona Matthew has been named as Europe’s Solheim Cup captain for the 2019 contest at Gleneagles.
The 48-year-old replaces Annika Sorenstam for the biennial contest, having played on three winning Solheim Cup teams during her nine appearances for Europe.
Matthew was set to be a vice-captain for Sorenstam in this year's loss in Iowa, only to step in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Suzann Pettersen.
The veteran won three of her four matches and also became the oldest European player in Solheim Cup history, although couldn't prevent the USA from retaining the trophy with a 16.5-11.5 victory.
"It's a great honour and a dream come true to be the captain at home in Scotland," Matthew said. "I have always loved playing in the Solheim Cup.
"It's always such an incredible atmosphere and over the years that I've played, I've enjoyed it more and more. From the extremely high standard of play, to the enormous crowds, huge infrastructure and fantastic media coverage, the event just keeps getting bigger and better.
"Scotland will provide the perfect stage for The 2019 Solheim Cup and Gleneagles will be a terrific venue. I was lucky enough to win there in 1998 and there is nothing better than winning in your home country."
Matthew made her Solheim Cup debut in 1998 and has been an ever-present member of the team since 2003, with major victory at the 2009 Women's British Open one of six career titles on the Ladies European Tour.
The Ladies European Tour's Chairman, Mark Lichtenhein, said: "Everyone at the Ladies European Tour is absolutely delighted that Catriona has accepted the captaincy.
"Her experience, combined with her outstanding record and passion for The Solheim Cup, make her the perfect choice to lead Team Europe and not just because, as a Scot, she will be leading on home soil.
"Catriona's contribution to the European Team over nine editions has been immense and her performance in Des Moines was simply brilliant. As the captain, she will continue to inspire not just her own team, but millions of fans around the world."
