COUNTY golf legend Catriona Matthew has been named Europe captain for the 2019 Solheim Cup.

The 48-year-old competed in last month's event in Iowa, stepping up from her role as vice-captain when Suzann Pettersen pulled out injured on the eve of the competition.

And Matthew has now been given the top job as the Solheim Cup returns to Scotland  - it will be held at Gleneagles in 2019.

She said it will be a "great honour and a dream come true" to lead the European team. 

Matthew, an Olympian in Rio 12 months ago, added: "Since my first appearance in 1998, I have always loved playing in the Solheim Cup.

"It's always such an incredible atmosphere and over the years that I've played, I've enjoyed it more and more."

Annika Sorenstam, who captained the side this year, said she was "very happy" with Matthews' appointment.

"She helped us a lot over the past year as a vice-captain, but then stepped in and won us three points as a player. Catriona is very well respected by the players, so she is a natural choice."