Matthew handed Solheim Cup role

Solheim Cup veteran Catriona Matthew has been named vice-captain of the European team ahead of the 2017 event in Iowa.

The 46-year-old, who has amassed 19 points from 33 matches in her eight outings in the tournament, will assist captain Annika Sorenstam as Europe bid to wrestle the Solheim Cup back from the United States.

Matthew, who will also represent Great Britain at next month’s Olympic Games in Rio, said: “It’s a great honour as she’s probably the best woman golfer there’s ever been and I’m really looking forward to it.”

There is still a chance that Matthew could also represent Europe as a player in addition to being vice-captain.

She added: “It’s a long way off still but it’s a possibility. I’ll see how I’m playing next year and go from there.

“I love the Solheim Cup and it’s my favourite week each time it comes round every two years. It’s just so different for a golfer to be in a team environment where you’ve got your team-mates and the captains and vice-captains.

“Golf is such an individual sport that it just makes it great fun. I’ve got great memories from it.”

Tagged Catriona Matthew, Solheim Cup, Solheim Cup 2017