Matthew in victory role for Europe
CATRIONA Matthew helped Europe made a strong start in their quest to regain the Solheim Cup from the United States in Iowa yesterday.
Assistant captain Matthew was only brought into the side to replace the injured Suzann Pettersen on Thursday, but took to the task well alongside France’s Karine Icher in the foursomes.
The Scot, playing the fourth match at Des Moines Golf and Country Club helped the European pair win on the last hole against Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller. Their victory, on a scrappy morning, handed Europe 2½-1½ lead going into the four-balls as they sought to win back the trophy lost in Germany in 2015.
Earlier, Melissa Reid and Charley Hull were pegged back in the opening match against Cristie Kerr and Lexi Thompson after the US pair picked up birdies on the final two holes. The resilient Kerr kept her cool to sink a decisive putt on the 18th and halve the match.
Rookie American team member Danielle Kang, playing alongside Lizette Salas, then claimed victory in the second match on the last against Carlota Ciganda and Caroline Masson.
Another cup rookie England’s Georgia Hall, above, and Anna Nordqvist were clinical in beating Austin Ernst and Paula Creamer 3&1.
RORY McILROY will try to defend his FedEx Cup title after deciding against sitting out the rest of the season to rest a persistent rib injury.
After seeking the advice of sports scientist Steve McGregor, McIlroy posted a link on Twitter yesterday to a competition to win the chance to play with him in the pro-am ahead of September’s BMW Championship.
And his management team confirmed he intends to contest the play-offs and try to win the overall FedEx Cup title – and £7.8 million bonus – for a second straight year. PAUL LAWRIE bowed out of his own event, the Saltire Energy Match Play after an awful end to his second round clash with Spain’s Alejandro Canizares. Lawrie hit back from three down after eight to win four of the next five holes, but hit a wild drive on the 16th, losing his ball and the hole before finding the water off the next tee.
He took off his shoes and socks to attempt a recovery shot from the edge of the hazard, but thinned his second across the green and fluffed his third before conceding.