After watching Justin Rose embrace the Olympics, Catriona Matthew is hugging the Games for dear life. And the Scottish golfer can’t believe so many of the A-List of the men’s game are kicking the heels or practicing their putts when they could have been part of the greatest sporting show on Earth.
The 46-year-old never expected to have this opportunity. Winning the British Open in 2009 appeared destined to be the peak of her distinguished career. But when golf was handed a return to the Olympiad after over a century, she was always going to be all-in.
“It was a goal of mine all year to come here and the experience has been fantastic,” she said. “Seeing Justin win was a real boost for golf. Now I have to hope that Charley Hull and I can do something similar.”
It’s been a passport to support athletes who are now team-mates. “It’s brilliant. I love watching tennis so to see Andy Murray play was fabulous. I also went to the athletics and saw Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis the night before. So I’ve been having a good time.”
Her husband Graeme, who will caddy for her in Rio, has a uniform of his own. Another joyous occasion shared. Their daughters Katie and Sophia have had to stay at home. No baby sitters in the Village. But for once, she says, the girls are seriously impressed by Mum’s big bag of kit and her spot at a ‘proper’ event.
“Being a golfer, this was never something you aspired to or dreamed of,” she said. “But my two daughters think it’s very cool. Winning a golf tournament wasn’t as cool as being an Olympian.”
She’s come in fine form after finishing tied for fifth at the British Open at Woburn when she threatened to steal the show until a late slip. On the course carved out of a swamp, Matthew might just monster Rio.
“I feel my chances are pretty good,” she said. “I’ve been playing well this year. I’m going in with a lot of confidence. But everyone is here. All the top women are here. It’s a top field for us. Everyone’s going to want that gold medal.”
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