ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Catriona Matthew tried to quickly walk over the Swilcan Bridge one last time to avoid the spotlight. She was lured back for a proper sendoff, however, waving to fans who’d gathered on the 18th – on the ground and on the rooftops – to celebrate a long and successful career.
Matthew, the winningest Scottish player to ever compete on the LPGA, played her final round on the LPGA over the Old Course on Friday, closing with birdie to finish it off at the AIG Women’s British Open in style.
“Obviously had decided this was my last one, and to finish with a birdie,” said Matthew, “I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
The 54-year-old shot 2-over 74 on Friday, in her 100th round at the AIG, to finish the tournament at 7 over, three shots outside the cut line. There’s no question she got the worse end of the draw.
“I think I’m just quite pleased that I actually came out and played respectably today, the last couple of days, and I don’t want to have to try and do that again next year,” she said. “So the right time.”
Matthew won four times on the LPGA and is the only Scot to ever win the AIG Women’s British Open. She did so only 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter in 2009.
In 2019 and 2021, the steady and sure Matthew led Team Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories.
Next week, she’ll captain the Great Britain and Ireland team at the 43rd staging of the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale Golf Club.
Here’s a look at her storied career through the years:
Catriona Matthew (Getty Images)Catriona Matthew is just six back at the Ricoh Women's British Open.Catriona Matthew during the third round of the 2013 U.S. Women's Open at Sebonack in Southampton,…Europe's Azahara Munoz of Spain, is seen after she won her match with playing partner Catriona…Scotland's Catriona Matthew holds the Women's British Open Golf Championship Trophy after winning the tournament at…The European team celebrates with the Solheim Cup in 2003. In back row, left to right:…Danish golfer Iben Tinning, right, of team Europe celebrates with teammate Catriona Matthew of Scotland after…Catriona MatthewCatriona Matthew of Scotland plays a shot during the Ricoh Women's British Open.Christina Kim applauds Catriona Matthew at the Ricoh Women's British Open.Catriona Matthew finished four shots ahead of defending champion I.K. Kim to win the Lorena Ochoa…Suzann Pettersen of Norway holds up the trophy at the awards ceremony after winning the LPGA…Catriona MatthewCatriona Matthew during practice for the 2013 Women's British Open at St. Andrews.Michelle Wie of the U.S. celebrates holing a chip shot at the 13th hole in her…European captain Liselotte Neumann (left) with Catriona Matthew after clinching the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado…Catriona Matthew after making the putt that clinched victory for Europe in the 2013 Solheim Cup…Catriona Matthew posted an 8-under 64 in the first round of the Airbus LPGA Classic.Catriona Matthew posted a 5-under 67 to maintain a one-shot lead at the Airbus LPGA Classic.From left: Gemma Dryburgh and Catriona Matthew in ScotlandKINGSBARNS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 4th hole during…WEST DES MOINES, IA - AUGUST 15: Catriona Matthew of Scotland and the European Team (R)…EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland is announced as the European Team Captain…Catriona Matthew, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull pose for photo to preview the 2019 AIG Women's…Laura Davies, Mel Reid, Celine Boutier,Georhia Hall, Caroline Headwall, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen,…Capatain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe and vice captain Laura Davies look on during a news…Team USA Captain Juli Inkster and Team Europe Captain Catriona Matthew pose with the Solheim Cup…AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Celine Boutier of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona…AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Georgia Hall of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona…Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew is hoisted onto her players shoulders to celebrate her teams win…Catriona Matthew with the Solheim Cup. (Photo courtesy of the Ladies European Tour)Catriona Matthew with daughters, two-year-old Katie and 11-week-old Sophie at Archerfield Links golf club on August…2019: The European team and their captain, Catriona Matthew, pose with the trophy after the singles…Catriona Matthew watches her tee shot at the first hole during the first round at the…Catriona Matthew of Scotland is named as the 2021 European Solheim Cup Captain during the 2021…Catriona Matthew of Britain (L) and team mate Sophie Gustafson of Sweden celebrates after Matthew sank…Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew smiles during the trophy presentation at the 2021 Solheim Cup at…GULLANE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference during a…GULLANE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland talks to her caddie during a practice…Catriona Matthew, Louise Duncan and Sophia Schubert interact on the 18th green following their round during…Catriona Mathews of Europe during a pratice round before the Solheim Cup played at the Loch…Janice Moodie and Catriona Matthew of Europe walk down the fifth fairway during the morning foursomes…Catriona Matthew of Europe waits with Cristie Kerr of the USA on the fourth green during…(Standing L-R) Celine Boutier, Carlota Ciganda, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Georgia Hall, Caroline…Captain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe holds the Solheim Cup after defeating Team USA during competition…ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference ahead…ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 21: Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, Dame Laura Davies of England, Catriona…Scotland's Catriona Matthew poses on the Swilkan Bridge during her second round on day two of…ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 18th hole…ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland acknowledges the crowd on the 17th…
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