Eighth Solheim Cup selection delights Catriona

FROM SKYSPORTS.COM

North Berwick's Catriona Matthew received an additional 46th birthday present as she was handed a place in Europe's Solheim Cup team.

The Scot joined Karine Icher, Caroline Hedwall and Caroline Masson as one of captain Carin Koch's four wild=card selections in the 12-woman team to face the United States in Germany next month.
Matthew will be making her eighth Solheim Cup appearance as Europe look to secure a third consecutive victory.

She gained the winning point at Barseback in Sweden in 2003 and secured the half that won the Cup outright in Colorado in 2013.
Matthew told Sportswomen on Sky Sports News HQ: "Obviously I am delighted. When I got the phone call the other night I couldn't have been happier. It's always a great honour to represent your country in anything and the Solheim Cup is just the highlight.
"You are always hoping to get in the team but when you actually get that word to say you are in the team it really is a relief."
Matthew, who made her debut in 1998, added: "It's the pinnacle of golf to play in the Solheim Cup and over the years it has just got bigger and bigger.
"And with us winning in Colorado the last time – the first time we have won in the States – I think this year is just bigger than ever with us going for three in a row.
"I think we have got a really strong team. The Americans on paper are usually the favourites but that home advantage is always quite a big thing with the crowd."
Matthew is also looking forward to meeting up with her team-mates ahead of the showdown at St Leon-Rot near Heidelberg.
She said: "Certainly in all the teams I have been on, I think the Europeans – we play against each other week-in, week-out so we all know each other, and come the Solheim Cup it's just a different thing.
"We all just get together, it's just great fun, you eat together and you do everything as a team – it's just a great atmosphere."