The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Imrie backs old pal
Dundonian says it’s a ‘match made in heaven’ Matthew’s coach confident Scot will ‘embrace’ ninth Solheim Cup
US captain Juli Inkster, left, and Team Europe counterpart Annika Sorenstam speak to the media after announcing the first round pairings for the Solheim Cup, which gets under way in West Des Moines, Iowa, today. Getty.
Finding her long-time pal Catriona Matthew was going to be playing in the Solheim Cup was “the saddest news” for Kathryn Imrie – but purely for selfish reasons.
Like everyone else Imrie, the former touring professional from Dundee and friend of Matthew for more than 30 years was actually thrilled “Beany” had been promoted into the team attempting to win back the cup in Des Moines.
“It’s unfortunate for Suzann (Pettersen), but what a replacement,” said Kathryn, who has been based fulltime in California for nearly a decade now.
“Beany’s record in this, it speaks for itself. The Solheim Cup is a match made in heaven for her.”
Only Kathryn had hoped to be caddying for her old friend in practice and maybe even in the matches themselves.
“That would have been so much fun,” said the first Scot to win on the LPGA Tour, herself twice a Solheim Cup player and involved this week as one of Annika Sorenstam’s back-up team.
“It’s the saddest for me, but she made absolutely the right decision to go with Mikey (Paterson, Pettersen’s caddie, who hails from Edinburgh).
“She’s playing great, swinging it really well. She’s played in nine of these things now and has huge experience.”
Kathryn also believes that Annika Sorenstam is an “amazing captain”.
“Obviously I played with Annika as well, 21 years ago now at St Pierre, which is kind of frightening,” she said.
“She’s a born leader, a lot of people are surprised at that who don’t know Annika, but I’m not surprised at all. She’s always been very analytical.”
Kathryn is now a teaching pro at a country club in California, but still keeps her hand in at team golf by occasionally helping out at Stanford University, where Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie and many others studied and where she was once a golf coach.
“I work for myself now but I still go back there in a voluntary capacity sometimes to help out,” she said.
“It’s worked out great. I’m a pure California girl now, although I still miss home very much – you definitely can’t take Dundee out of the girl!”
The competitive juices are still flowing, however, and she’s looking at getting back to playing competitively.
“I hit the magic number last month and I’m trying to get my game in some sort of shape because they’re reviving a women’s seniors tour here,” she said.
“I played in a senior event last month – not well, it was a bit of a rude awakening getting back into competition – but I want to keep playing, I enjoy it so much.”
Certainly involvement with Solheim rekindles the competitive nature.
“I’ve always said this is the best stage for women’s golf,” she said.
“We have the Olympics as well now, but this has the passion, the fire, emotions people want to see.
“If we had something like this every week then people would want to see women’s golf and imagine how it would help the Ladies European Tour.
“From my time I remember going in the team room at St Pierre after we hadn’t done so well on the first morning and putting on some loud music to gee everybody up.
“I guess that’s like my role this week. I’m just trying to keep the guys loose in the locker room because they’re tense, no matter what they say.”
And coming home in two years’ time to Gleneagles definitely appeals.
“Catriona as captain next time, I would hope so, she deserves it,” added Kathryn.
“I would be ready to help if she gave me the nod, we’d make a good combo I think. We’ve stayed close friends simnce coming through the ranks together even though I gave up playing professionally eight years ago now.
“Being part of a Solheim Cup team so near home would be perfect. I played in two and I’ve done this helping stuff six times now, so I’ve got a bit of experience as well.
It’s all about getting together and gelling, and I think we’re doing that.”
I’ve always said this is the best stage for women’s golf. We have the Olympics as well now but this has the passion, the fire, the emotions people want to see. KATHRYN IMRIE
Kevin Craggs was as shocked as anyone to see Catriona Matthew on the range when he arrived at Des Moines on Monday.
“The bus was pulling in, I saw her hitting balls and said, ‘hang on here, what’s going on?’” said the Scot’s coach.
“Seriously, I am very proud and delighted because I don’t think there is anyone better to step up to the plate in a situation like this.
“It’s her ninth Solheim Cup, she has a massive presence in the team room and an incredible presence on the golf course.
“She’s been here and done it before and match-play in itself could really suit her this week. You can be a bit more aggressive and mistakes aren’t as punishing as they are in stroke-play.
“Catriona has a great ability of being able to manage her emotions impeccably.
“She’s got a game style that she is in control of and I am confident she will embrace this better than anyone could.”
Craggs and Catriona have recently reunited as a partnership, their first spell together seeing her reach fifth in the world.
“Relationships sometimes need a break and I was delighted when she contacted me and said, ‘can we get things back on the road’,” he continued.
“We are great friends off the golf course and I am respectful of her and her family, so it was a no-brainer and I am looking forward to working with her during the latter part of what has been a great career.
“From tee to green she has been as good as she’s ever been.
“The difference between doing well or badly is how she performs on the greens.”
Craggs’ other pupil in Team Europe is Mel Reid, who has been entrusted with the opening blow this morning.
“Mel revels in a team environment and we know she is going to be hitting the first tee shot tomorrow,” he said.
“There is a definite determination in the team room. They are here to bring the trophy back.
“When you look at the dynamics of the team, Annika has done a terrific job and she has involved everybody.”