Catriona Matthew, a veteran of eight Solheim Cup appearances as a player, has been named as Annika Sorenstam's first vice-captain on Team Europe for the 2017 match with the USA in Iowa.

The 46-year-old, who holed the winning putt in the 2003 match in Sweden and earned the half-point that gave Europe a first win on American soil in 2013, has been drafted into Sorenstam's backroom set-up even through the Scot is still keen to qualify again as a player.

Matthew, the former Women's British Open champion, said: “I love the Solheim Cup and it’s my favourite week each time it comes round every two years. It’s just so different for a golfer to be in a team environment where you’ve got your teammates and the captains and vice-captains. I’ve got great memories from it.”

Sorenstam added: "Catriona is a long-time friend and well-respected veteran of the game. As a major winner who has competed in numerous Solheim Cups, I'm very excited to welcome her to our team. She will be a tremendous asset."