Matthew becomes captain of Team Europe again at Solheim Cup

Catriona Matthew played for the only European team to win in the United States

Catriona Matthew was given the opportunity to keep the Solheim Cup after being chosen as Europe's second consecutive year.

The 50-year-old Scot led her team to victory over the United States at home in Gleneagles in September.

She will be captain again at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio, in 2021.

"Winning the Solheim Cup in Scotland was a dream come true, but with a victory in Supporting America would be even better, "Matthew said.

"It is always harder to win on American soil, but I am honored to have to get the assignment. I was lucky to be part of the first European team to win on American soil at the Colorado Golf Club in 2013 and therefore knows what is possible. "

That remains the only time that Europe has won in the United States and it was also the only time that they have retained the trophy, awarded by the US in 10 of the 16 meetings.

Matthew was part of a winning team three times in her nine appearances as a player, including the party that won at Killeen Castle Golf Resort, Ireland, before defending the trophy.

With Meg Mallon succeeding Rosie Jones in 2013, Matthew would be the first to lead Europe to successive victories if she repeated the September success.

"The American team played exceptionally well in Gleneagles, but what we have achieved this year and what it meant for people around the world will serve as further motivation," said the Scot.

"I'm excited to get started, build the next team and see what Europe is capable of at Inverness Club. It's a very Scottish name, so I hope that a good omen is. "

The appointment was announced by the Ladies European Tour on the spot of the September victory, where Matthew said the event was the highlight of her career, even her big win at the Women & # 39; s British Open 2009 "blows away".

Lady Laura Davies, a vice captain in 2019, said, "I think Catriona was such a great captain that she deserves the chance to get the trophy back."

Suzann Pettersen, who hit an eight-foot putt to win on the 18th green in the last game at Gleneagles, was also "excited" by the news.

"She is a class act and naturally inspires all players and team members around her," she added.

"She is not only a Solheim Cup legend, but she is also a great leader, friend and mother. She was confident in me to choose me as a wildcard choice, for which I am forever grateful will be, and she deserves full credit. "

The only other Scot who was Europe's leader, Dale Reid, failed in her attempt to preserve the trophy in Minnesota after leading her side to Loch Lomond in 2000