Catriona Matthew will be one of the most experienced members of the European Solheim Cup team so the Scot is in a better position than most to predict the outcome of the 12th meeting with the USA. And she truly believes that the home side can come out on top in Ireland on Sunday, September 25.  

For Matthew, Killeen Castle will be her sixth Solheim Cup – a record for a Scot - and she’s enjoyed some highs and suffered a few lows in an always pressure-packed rollercoaster ride.  On her debut at Muirfield Village in 1998, a loss to Sherri Steinhauer in the last day singles ended the contest in the home side’s favour.  

But in 2003, the tables were turned and it was Matthew’s victory over Rosie Jones on the final day that secured the Cup for Europe at Barseback in Sweden. It was one of the sweetest moment of the North Berwick 42-year-old’s now legendary career. 

“The Solheim is probably my favourite tournament,” said Matthew, whose individual high was winning the major, the Ricoh Women’s British Open, at Royal Lytham and St Annes two years ago. “I absolutely love team golf. 

“This year, I think we have a really good team and a realistic chance of victory. Two years ago, we were massive underdogs but the result was very close. This time, I think the two teams are much closer matched.” 

But everyone knows it will be tough. The USA has won eight of the 11 contests to date.

Leading the European team in the experience stakes is Laura Davies. The 47-year-old has played in all 11 contests, while Matthew and the quartet of Suzann Pettersen, Sophie Gustafson, Anna Nordqvist and Maria Hjorth present a strong force of proven winners. 

Karen Stupples, who played in 2005, is the only other European team member with a taste of the Solheim and the newcomers are Sandra Gal, Azahara Munoz, Christel Boeljon, Melissa Reid and the exciting new young Swede, Caroline Hedwall, who has won three times in a fabulous rookie season.

The “Davies’ of the US line-up is Juli Inkster. The multi-major winner is 51 and will become the event’s oldest competitor. She will also make history by becoming the first to take on the dual role of a playing vice-Captain. She is one of Captain Jones’ assistants. 

There are three rookies in the US side. Stacy Lewis, the Kraft Nabisco Champion, won her place by right while Vicky Hurst and Ryann O’Yoole were Jones’ two wild card selections. 

The rest of the visiting team is Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Angela Stanford, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Lang, Brittany Lincicome and the effervescent (love her or hate her) Christina Kim.  

Alison Nicholas is European Captain for a second time, and an ace in the home pack could be the presence of former world No.1, Annika Sorenstam. The Swede is one of the vice-Captains – and she could be a really intimidating figure and a great voice of influence in the European team room.   

“Yes, they are very strong, but we have home advantage and the Irish crowd was great when I played in the Irish Ladies’ Open at Killeen Castle in August,” said Matthew. “The course is super for a Solheim. It is testing, but there are lots of holes that offer birdie chances.   

“The Irish Open has been staged there for the last two years so all our players will have a slight advantage as we know the course.” 

Matthew has had a great season. She had a couple of top tens on the LPGA Tour and has just gone through a real purple patch with a fifth place in the Women’s British Open at Carnoustie, a top six in the Irish Open at Killeen and then an eighth career victory on home soil at the Aberdeen Ladies’ Scottish Open at Archerfield. 

“I’ve been playing well all year so I’m really looking forward to the Solheim,” she concluded. “Winning in 2003 was one of the best feelings and it would be great to win the Cup again. I’m confident we can do it.”

EB

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