CATRIONA Matthew will again captain Europe as they attempt to retain the Solheim Cup in 2021.

The North Berwick golfer was at the helm for the stunning late fightback victory at Gleneagles in September as Europe won the trophy for the first time since 2013.

The 2021 contest takes place at the Inverness Club, in Ohio, with Europe out to match their 14 ½ - 13 ½ victory.

Team Europe has only won the competition once on American soil – an 18-10 triumph at Colorado Golf Club in 2013 – since the competition began in 1990.

Now, Matthew, a veteran of nine Solheim Cups as a player, including three victories, is looking to do the double and retain the trophy as captain.

She said: "Winning the Solheim Cup in Scotland was a dream come true, but backing that up with a win in America would be even better.

"It's always harder to win on US soil, but I'm honoured to be tasked with the mission.

"I was lucky enough to be part of the first European team to win on US soil at Colorado Golf Club in 2013 and so know what's possible.

"The American team played extremely well at Gleneagles, but what we accomplished this year and what it meant to people all around the world will serve as further motivation.

"I'm excited to get down to business, build the next team and see what Europe is capable of at Inverness Club.

"It's a very Scottish name, so I'm hoping that's a good omen!

"Anyone who witnessed the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland can be left in no doubt that it was an outstanding international event which set a new benchmark for women's golf, but this is the beginning of a new, two-year journey, so I'm going to gather all my experience, take it forward and do my best to bring the trophy home to Europe again in 2021."

At Gleneagles, the scores had been tied at 8-8 going into the last day, with Europe winning three of the first four singles matches through Carlota Ciganda, Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier.

However, the Americans fought back through Nelly Korda, with Brittany Altomare and Angel Yin leaving the scores level again at 11-11.

Jessica Korda put the US in front while Charley Hull and Megan Khang shared the spoils in their match before Lizette Salas put America within half a point of retaining the trophy.

Anna Nordqvist and Bronte Law both won which meant it was down to Suzann Pettersen and Marina Alex to decide the destination of the trophy.

Norwegian Pettersen holed the winning putt on the final green and immediately retired from playing after the victory before Matthew was held aloft by the victorious team.