Catriona Matthew: Solheim Cup victory would be career highlight

Catriona Matthew believes leading Europe at Gleneagles to Solheim Cup victory this week could be her greatest accomplishment in golf.
Matthew, a nine-time Solheim Cup player, captains a European aspect in Scotland, where the hosts are looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the biennial competition.
The 50-year-old finished four winning Solheim Cup sides during an illustrious playing career, although feels success those previous successes would be gazumped by this week and won the 2009 Women’s British Open.
“I think it [Solheim Cup win] would be appropriate on top,” Matthew said. “I’ve always enjoyed the Solheim Cup. It’s been the highlight of my profession every two years as soon as it comes about.
“Some of my best moments have been at the Solheim, plus I believe to be a fighter that is winning at Gleneagles in Scotland would rank only about over my British Open win.
“It’s good that it is finally here. It has been, in certain respects, a quick two decades and I think these next couple of days will only fly past.”
Matthew’s final Solheim Cup appearance arrived from Europe’s 16.5-11.5 defeat two years back, when the Scot created the last-minute switch out of vice-captain to participant to replace the wounded Suzann Pettersen.
Team USA have now been forced to a similar adjustment ahead of the year’s competition and have drafted in Ally McDonald to take more than Stacy Lewis, leaving the visitors with six rookies in their aspect.
“Obviously that’s hard for them and disappointing,” Matthew added. “We were in the identical situation last time together with Suzann [Pettersen]. I feel sorry for Stacy [Lewis].
“You’ve got that kind of relation of getting on the team, being chosen, and then not being able to play as you are injured is unlucky for them. Ally McDonald is a fantastic player, player that is strong. They have got an replacement .
“I guess being a rookie it’s a minor unknown amount. They are all good players, but you’ve seen in the past some rookies come in and excel. Subsequently other rookies who unfortunately just have found it a little all a little too much.”
Though Dame Laura Davies is completely supporting her inclusion as a captain’s choice, even though just making three competitive starts November 2017 pettersen yields and leaves her ninth Solheim Cup appearance.
“Why wouldn’t you need Suzann Pettersen in your group?” Davies said. “She hasn’t played a enormous amount of tournaments, but game play is very different. You do not have to run together 72 holes.
“At the end it might be difficult for somebody who hasn’t playedbut 18 hole game play I’d back Suzann [Pettersen] every time. You may play with the player, In the event you’ve a different participant on the sheet or Suzann.
“Suzann can be quite tricky on the market. It is terrific for us. It’s great that she attracts that standing to our team, and I would never doubt Suzann Pettersen ever”
View the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins with the Opening Ceremony on Thursday by 5.30pm Sky Sports Golf along with Sky Sports Mix.

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