Catriona Matthew named Solheim vice-captain

• Catriona Matthew named 2017 Solheim Cup vice-captain
• The Scot hasn’t ruled out a playing role in Des Moines
• Likely to be a front runner for captain at Gleneagles in 2019

Catriona Matthew has spoken of her delight after being named a Solheim Cup vice-captain by Annika Sorenstam for the 2017 match in Des Moines.

It marks the perfect start to a hectic period for the Scot, who is playing this week’s Ladies’ Scottish Open followed by the RICOH Women’s British Open before heading down to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics.

And, speaking before the Ladies European Tour event at Dundonald Links – which is free entry throughout the three tournament days – Matthew revealed that Sorenstam approached her a while ago to take up the position.

“I’m very excited,” said Catriona Matthew. “Annika asked me about four or five weeks ago at the KPMG so I’ve been keeping it quiet since then. But obviously I’m absolutely thrilled.

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“Annika has been a good friend of mine from amateur days and I’ve played alongside her a lot of times in the Solheim Cup. It’s one of my favourite weeks every two years so to be a part of it and see behind the scenes of being a vice-captain will be great.”

But Catriona Matthew has no intentions of settling solely for a vice-captaincy role. The Scot is determined to be on the 12-strong playing roster at Des Moines Golf & Country Club.

“I’d love to be a playing vice-captain,” she added. “Juli was a playing vice-captain in Ireland so it’s certainly on the agenda and I’ve already spoken to Annika about that.”

Matthew has been touted by many as the captain for the 2019 match at Gleneagles but, when asked, the Scot preferred not to look beyond the forthcoming match.

“I’ve got to focus on this one first but yeah, it’s going to be great to be vice-captain and see what happens behind the scenes. Obviously it’s a lot different to being a player and if I do happen to put my name forward for captaincy then this time as vice-captain will have been of great help.”

Catriona Matthew :: Set for 2019 captaincy?

After this announcement that Catriona Matthew will be Solheim Cup vice-captain in Des Moines in 2017, do you think it makes her the No.1 candidate for captain at Gleneagles in 2019? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.