LOOK up the word "longevity" in an illustrated dictionary and there will possibly be a picture of Catriona Matthew accompanying the description.
At a sprightly 48, Matthew continues to display the kind of durability that would have the Duracell Bunny wheezing and requiring a change of batteries.
Her competitive instincts remain as sharp as ever, a point highlighted by her progression through a 36-hole qualifier for next week’s US Women’s Open at Shoal Creek. The recent two-round shoot-out at The Buckinghamshire, which offered just four places in the second women’s Major of the season, was negotiated with sturdy efficiency as Matthew maintained a terrific run in this particular showpiece.
Since making her US Women’s Open debut in 1996, the North Berwick veteran has only missed one and there was a good reason for that absence in 2009. She was expecting a baby. Matthew’s qualifying success ensured she will be involved in the major cut-and-thrust again as she flies the saltire in a stellar field.
“I’m very proud of that record,” said Matthew, the former Women’s British Open champion.
As Europe’s Solheim Cup captain for the 2019 match at Gleneagles, Matthew has an increasing amount of odds and sods to deal with as she keeps an eye on potential team members for the transatlantic tussle with the USA. Her share of 10th place in the Kingsmill Championship last weekend, her best result of the season, showed she remains focussed on her own golf despite the all-embracing nature of the captain’s job.
“The Solheim Cup is always in the back of your mind,” she conceded. “You're always kind of thinking about it and watching players. It's early days, but it's always there."
The oldest player in the top-five of that Kingsmill Championship was just 23. As she approaches her half century, Matthew continues to prove age is no barrier to success and her efforts constantly earn praise from many of her younger peers.
“She’s just a great player,” said Michelle Wie, who won the US Women’s Open in 2014 and will be one of the chief challengers this week. “Every time I play with her, she just grinds out there and playing against her at Solheim Cup, I know she's a really tough competitor. I'm really excited to see her as a captain.”
Matthew’s fitness remains a key weapon in her armoury and she has avoided the injuries and niggles that can come from years of battering away at a little dimpled ball.
On the other hand, Wie has not had her physical problems to seek. Knees, ankles, neck … the list goes on.
“I have osteoarthritis in both of my hands, so it's been a little bit of a journey,” said the 28-year-old who was forced to withdraw from last year’s US Women’s Open after two rounds due to her aches and pains. “But I found these great doctors last year, and we've been working together since then and staggering the injections. They have been helping greatly. There’s no pain after I get the injections so it feels pretty good.”
Along with Matthew and Wie, the field in Alabama will includes the usual runners and riders with the likes of world No 1 Inbee Park, the revitalised Lydia Ko and Pernilla Lindberg, who won the first women’s Major of the year at the ANA Inspiration, all in the field. In the 12 events on the LPGA Tour this season, there have been 12 different winners. The US Women’s Open promises to be another open affair.
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