ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Catriona Matthew tried to quickly walk over the Swilcan Bridge one last time to avoid the spotlight. She was lured back for a proper sendoff, however, waving to fans who’d gathered on the 18th – on the ground and on the rooftops – to celebrate a long and successful career.
Matthew, the winningest Scottish player to ever compete on the LPGA, played her final round on the LPGA over the Old Course on Friday, closing with birdie to finish it off at the AIG Women’s British Open in style.
“Obviously had decided this was my last one, and to finish with a birdie,” said Matthew, “I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
The 54-year-old shot 2-over 74 on Friday, in her 100th round at the AIG, to finish the tournament at 7 over, three shots outside the cut line. There’s no question she got the worse end of the draw.
“I think I’m just quite pleased that I actually came out and played respectably today, the last couple of days, and I don’t want to have to try and do that again next year,” she said. “So the right time.”
Matthew won four times on the LPGA and is the only Scot to ever win the AIG Women’s British Open. She did so only 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter in 2009.
In 2019 and 2021, the steady and sure Matthew led Team Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories.
Next week, she’ll captain the Great Britain and Ireland team at the 43rd staging of the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale Golf Club.
Here’s a look at her storied career through the years:
Catriona Matthew KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – Round Three
Catriona Matthew (Getty Images)
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Ricoh Women’s British Open – Day Three
Catriona Matthew is just six back at the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
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Catriona Matthew during the third round of the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open at Sebonack in Southampton,…
Catriona Matthew during the third round of the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open at Sebonack in Southampton, N.Y.
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Europe’s Azahara Munoz of Spain, is seen after she won her match with playing partner Catriona…
Europe’s Azahara Munoz of Spain, is seen after she won her match with playing partner Catriona Matthew of Scotland, on the 16th green during the foursomes match against Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford of the U.S. during Day 1 of the The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle Dunsany near Dublin, Ireland, on September 23, 2011.
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Scotland’s Catriona Matthew holds the Women’s British Open Golf Championship Trophy after winning the tournament at…
Scotland’s Catriona Matthew holds the Women’s British Open Golf Championship Trophy after winning the tournament at Royal Lytham St Annes Golf Course, Lytham St Annes, England, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009.
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The European team celebrates with the Solheim Cup in 2003. In back row, left to right:…
The European team celebrates with the Solheim Cup in 2003. In back row, left to right: Iben Tinning, Sophie Gustafson, Carin Koch, team captain Catrin Nilsmark, Laura Davies, Suzann Pettersen, Patricia Meunier Lebouc, Ana-Belen Sanchez and Janice Moodie. Front row Mhairi McKay, Annika Sorenstam, Alison Nicholas, Elisabeth Esterl and Catriona Matthew.
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Danish golfer Iben Tinning, right, of team Europe celebrates with teammate Catriona Matthew of Scotland after…
Danish golfer Iben Tinning, right, of team Europe celebrates with teammate Catriona Matthew of Scotland after a putt on the 14th hole during a match against the U.S. at the 2007 Solheim Cup.
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Catriona Matthew
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Catriona Matthew of Scotland plays a shot during the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
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Christina Kim applauds Catriona Matthew at the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
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Catriona Matthew finished four shots ahead of defending champion I.K. Kim to win the Lorena Ochoa…
Catriona Matthew finished four shots ahead of defending champion I.K. Kim to win the Lorena Ochoa Invitational.
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Suzann Pettersen of Norway holds up the trophy at the awards ceremony after winning the LPGA…
Suzann Pettersen of Norway holds up the trophy at the awards ceremony after winning the LPGA KEB-HanaBank Championship golf tournament at the Sky72 Golf Club in Incheon, west of Seoul, on October 21, 2012. Pettersen edged Catriona Matthew of Scotland on the third hole of the sudden death playoff.
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Catriona Matthew
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Catriona Matthew during practice for the 2013 Women’s British Open at St. Andrews.
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Michelle Wie of the U.S. celebrates holing a chip shot at the 13th hole in her…
Michelle Wie of the U.S. celebrates holing a chip shot at the 13th hole in her match with Cristie Kerr against Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew during the afternoon four ball matches for the 2013 Solheim Cup.
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European captain Liselotte Neumann (left) with Catriona Matthew after clinching the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado…
European captain Liselotte Neumann (left) with Catriona Matthew after clinching the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club.
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2013 Solheim Cup
Catriona Matthew after making the putt that clinched victory for Europe in the 2013 Solheim Cup…
Catriona Matthew after making the putt that clinched victory for Europe in the 2013 Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club.
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Catriona Matthew posted an 8-under 64 in the first round of the Airbus LPGA Classic.
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Catriona Matthew posted a 5-under 67 to maintain a one-shot lead at the Airbus LPGA Classic.
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From left: Gemma Dryburgh and Catriona Matthew in Scotland
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Ricoh Women’s British Open – Previews
KINGSBARNS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 4th hole during…
KINGSBARNS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 4th hole during a practice round prior to the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links on August 2, 2017 in Kingsbarns, Scotland. (Photo by Catriona Matthew)
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The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
WEST DES MOINES, IA – AUGUST 15: Catriona Matthew of Scotland and the European Team (R)…
WEST DES MOINES, IA – AUGUST 15: Catriona Matthew of Scotland and the European Team (R) assistant captain walking with Suzann Pettersen of Norway and the European Team (L) who did not play during practice for the 2017 Solheim Cup Matches at Des Moines Country Club on August 15, 2017 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
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2019 Solheim Cup European Captain Announcement
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland is announced as the European Team Captain…
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland is announced as the European Team Captain for the 2019 Solheim Cup at Glen Eagles during a press conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on September 21, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Catriona Matthew
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AIG Women’s British Open Media Day
Catriona Matthew, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull pose for photo to preview the 2019 AIG Women’s…
Catriona Matthew, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull pose for photo to preview the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club England. Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
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Laura Davies, Mel Reid, Celine Boutier,Georhia Hall, Caroline Headwall, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen,…
Laura Davies, Mel Reid, Celine Boutier,Georhia Hall, Caroline Headwall, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Bronte Law, Kathryn Imrie (all back row) Caroline Masson, Azahara Munzo, Catriona Matthew, Carlota Ciganda and Charley Hall all pose for a team photograph after the announcement of the European Solheim Cup Team at Gleneagles on Aug. 12, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
Capatain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe and vice captain Laura Davies look on during a news…
Capatain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe and vice captain Laura Davies look on during a news conference prior to the start of The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on Sept. 10, 2019 in Scotland. Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
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The Solheim Cup – Preview Day 2
Team USA Captain Juli Inkster and Team Europe Captain Catriona Matthew pose with the Solheim Cup…
Team USA Captain Juli Inkster and Team Europe Captain Catriona Matthew pose with the Solheim Cup Trophy at Gleneagles on Sept. 10, 2019 in Scotland. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
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The Solheim Cup – Day 3
AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Celine Boutier of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona…
AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Celine Boutier of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew after winning in her match against Annie Park of Team USA during the final day singles matches of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on September 15, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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The Solheim Cup – Day 3
AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Georgia Hall of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona…
AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Georgia Hall of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew after winning in her match against Lexi Thompson of Team USA during the final day singles matches of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on September 15, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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The Solheim Cup
Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew is hoisted onto her players shoulders to celebrate her teams win…
Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew is hoisted onto her players shoulders to celebrate her teams win during the final day singles matches of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on September 15, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
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Catriona Matthew with the Solheim Cup. (Photo courtesy of the Ladies European Tour)
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Catriona Matthew with daughters, two-year-old Katie and 11-week-old Sophie at Archerfield Links golf club on August…
Catriona Matthew with daughters, two-year-old Katie and 11-week-old Sophie at Archerfield Links golf club on August 4, 2009 in Dirleton, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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Solheim Cup winners: Through the Years
2019: The European team and their captain, Catriona Matthew, pose with the trophy after the singles…
2019: The European team and their captain, Catriona Matthew, pose with the trophy after the singles on the third day of the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland, on September 15, 2019. (Photo: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)
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2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Catriona Matthew watches her tee shot at the first hole during the first round at the…
Catriona Matthew watches her tee shot at the first hole during the first round at the 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Conn. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Darren Carroll/USGA)
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2021 European Solheim Cup Captain Announcement
Catriona Matthew of Scotland is named as the 2021 European Solheim Cup Captain during the 2021…
Catriona Matthew of Scotland is named as the 2021 European Solheim Cup Captain during the 2021 European Solheim Cup Captain Announcement at Gleneagles on November 14, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
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Catriona Matthew of Britain (L) and team
Catriona Matthew of Britain (L) and team mate Sophie Gustafson of Sweden celebrates after Matthew sank…
Catriona Matthew of Britain (L) and team mate Sophie Gustafson of Sweden celebrates after Matthew sank the last putt of the game to win the Solheim Cup for Europe against The United States at Barseback Golf & Country Club in Loddekopinge 14 September, 2003. AFP PHOTO PRESSENS BILD OLA TORKELSSON (Photo credit should read OLA TORKELSSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Solheim Cup
Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew smiles during the trophy presentation at the 2021 Solheim Cup at…
Team Europe captain Catriona Matthew smiles during the trophy presentation at the 2021 Solheim Cup at Invernes Club. (Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)
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AIG Women’s Open – Previews
GULLANE, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference during a…
GULLANE, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference during a practice round prior to the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield on August 02, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. (Photo by Alex Burstow/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
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AIG Women’s Open – Previews
GULLANE, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland talks to her caddie during a practice…
GULLANE, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 02: Catriona Matthew of Scotland talks to her caddie during a practice round prior to the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield on August 02, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
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2022 AIG Women’s Open
Catriona Matthew, Louise Duncan and Sophia Schubert interact on the 18th green following their round during…
Catriona Matthew, Louise Duncan and Sophia Schubert interact on the 18th green following their round during Day One of the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield on August 04, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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2000 Solheim Cup
Catriona Mathews of Europe during a pratice round before the Solheim Cup played at the Loch…
Catriona Mathews of Europe during a pratice round before the Solheim Cup played at the Loch Lomond GC, Loch Lomond, Scotland. (Photo: Warren Little/ALLSPORT)
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2003 Solheim Cup
Janice Moodie and Catriona Matthew of Europe walk down the fifth fairway during the morning foursomes…
Janice Moodie and Catriona Matthew of Europe walk down the fifth fairway during the morning foursomes of the 2003 Solheim Cup on September 13, 2003 at Barseback Golf and Country Club, Sweden. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
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2007 Solheim Cup
Catriona Matthew of Europe waits with Cristie Kerr of the USA on the fourth green during…
Catriona Matthew of Europe waits with Cristie Kerr of the USA on the fourth green during the morning foursome matches of the Solheim Cup at on September 15, 2007 in Halmstad, Sweden. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
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2019 Solheim Cup
(Standing L-R) Celine Boutier, Carlota Ciganda, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Georgia Hall, Caroline…
(Standing L-R) Celine Boutier, Carlota Ciganda, Anne Van Dam, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Georgia Hall, Caroline Hedwall, Bronte Law (Sitting Down L-R) Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Caroline Masson, Catriona Matthew, Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz of Team Europe pose for the official photo during practice day 2 for The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles on September 10, 2019 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Solheim Cup
Captain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe holds the Solheim Cup after defeating Team USA during competition…
Captain Catriona Matthew of Team Europe holds the Solheim Cup after defeating Team USA during competition rounds of the Solheim Cup golf tournament at Inverness Club. (Photo: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
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AIG Women’s Open – Preview Day Three
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference ahead…
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 21: Catriona Matthew of Scotland speaks in a press conference ahead of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 21, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Kate McShane/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
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AIG Women’s Open – Preview Day Three
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 21: Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, Dame Laura Davies of England, Catriona…
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 21: Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, Dame Laura Davies of England, Catriona Matthew of Scotland and Karrie Webb of Australia pose for a photo on the Swilcan bridge ahead of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 21, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
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Scotland’s Catriona Matthew poses on the Swilkan Bridge during her second round on day two of…
Scotland’s Catriona Matthew poses on the Swilkan Bridge during her second round on day two of the 2024 Women’s British Open Golf Championship, on the Old Course at St Andrews, in St Andrews, Scotland, on August 23, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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AIG Women’s Open – Day Two
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 18th hole…
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland tees off on the 18th hole during Day Two of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 23, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
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AIG Women’s Open – Day Two
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland acknowledges the crowd on the 17th…
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 23: Catriona Matthew of Scotland acknowledges the crowd on the 17th green during Day Two of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 23, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
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