Captains focus of The Solheim Cup 2019

As we edge closer and closer to the inaugural Solheim Cup, and to celebrate International Women’s Day, we thought we would take a look at a brief bio of 2019 Solheim Cup captains and their staff.

Catriona Matthew, Team Europe Solheim Cup Captain

Born in Edinburgh Scotland, Catriona grew up in North Berwick along ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’. Here she learned to play golf on the Children’s Course and the West Links. Catriona turned professional in 1995 and joined the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tours, which she still competes in today. Over the years, she has claimed over 10 tour victories worldwide. Most notably her only Major Championship, The Women’s British Open 2009, which she won at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s. Catriona was also named Ladies European tour player of the year that year.

Having a decorated individual career, Catriona has also played a pivotal role in the European Solheim Cup team; representing Europe on 9 occasions, playing 37 matches and winning the trophy 3 times. After being vice-Captain in 2017 Catriona now finds herself captaining a European side looking to win back the trophy on Catriona’s home soil when the event is played at The Gleneagles Resort in September. The 2019 Solheim Cup Captain, Catriona will be supported by a strong and Iconic backroom of Vice Captains; Laura Davies, Suzann Peterson and Kathryn Imrie who have all achieved huge amounts in the women’s game themselves.

Julie Inkster, Team USA Solheim Cup Captain

Julie hails from California, USA and is one of the most iconic figures in the women’s game. After turning professional in 1983 Julie has claimed over 40 professional wins around the world including an incredible 7 Major victories during her illustrious career. She was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing her legend status in the game.

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Julie, like Catriona has played a huge part in the USA Solheim Cup team over the years. Inkster has played in 9 Solheim Cups, winning 5 of them and playing in 34 matches. Julie has also captained the USA side to triumphs in the last 2 Solheim Cups, so she knows what the event is all about. Julie Inkster will be supported by the same backroom of Vice Captains who have been with Julie for her last 2 Pat Hurst, Wendy Ward and Nancy Lopez.

Julie Inkster celebrating 2017 Solheim Cup win

Over the past 14 Solheim Cups the USA have a 9-5 advantage over the Europeans in the competition, so lets hope Catriona and her squad can close the gap on home turf ☺

European Standings

Below is a list of the European team players in qualifying spots for the event based on Solheim Cup points as of 4th March 2019. Catriona has opted for 8 automatic qualifiers and 4 captains picks.