Catriona Matthew named Curtis Cup captain

Twice a winning captain in the Solheim Cup, Scotland’s Catriona Matthew has now been charged with repeating the trick in the Curtis Cup.

The R&A has confirmed the former Women’s Open champion as the skipper for the Great Britain & Ireland side that will take on the USA at Sunningdale next year.

Matthew, who is believed to be the first professional golfer to lead the GB&I team, played in the match on three occasions prior – 1990, 1992 and 1994 – prior to turning professional.

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“Playing in the Curtis Cup is the pinnacle for young amateur golfers,” she said. “I was thrilled to make the Great Britain and Ireland team three times as a player and I feel just as privileged to be the captain in 2024.

“As a player I remember the emotions of competing in the Curtis Cup – the excitement of being on a team rather than competing individually, as well as the desire to perform well for your team and pressure you put on yourself not to let them down.

“As a captain it is my job to navigate the players through these situations and to help them believe what is possible.”

Matthew’s experience at the top-level of the game, as well as her captaincy pedigree, will be crucial if GB&I are to win the match for the first time since 2016.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said: “We are delighted that Catriona has accepted the captain’s role for the 2024 Curtis Cup. Her reputation for strong leadership and past experience as a player with winning pedigree make Catriona the perfect captain for the Great Britain and Ireland team.

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“The Curtis Cup has long been a prominent event for women’s elite amateur golf and Great Britain and Ireland has enjoyed some fantastic wins. We are now seeing the amateur level of the sport evolve into a more competitive era and believe that Catriona is the best placed captain to guide the team in this period.

“Just like professional golfers, amateurs are now focused on a holistic approach to their game. Catriona will bring her years of professional experience to the Great Britain and Ireland team and help them combine all facets of their game to be in peak form for the Curtis Cup.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor