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.
Gallery
AIG Women’s Open – Preview Day Three
AIG Women’s Open – Preview Day Three
Catriona Matthew of Britain (L) and team
2021 European Solheim Cup Captain Announcement
Solheim Cup winners: Through the Years
The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
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AIG Women’s British Open Media Day
2019 Solheim Cup European Captain Announcement
The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
Ricoh Women’s British Open – Previews
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Ricoh Women’s British Open – Day Three
Catriona Matthew KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – Round Three
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Photos: As she heads to retirement, here’s LPGA star Catriona Matthew through the years
