Catriona Matthew

Catriona Matthew OBE is one of Scotland’s most accomplished professional golfers, a Major champion and two-time winning European Solheim Cup Captain. Across a career spanning three decades, Catriona competed at the highest level of women’s golf, combining individual success with an exceptional record in team competition. Her 2009 Women’s British Open victory, achieved just 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter, remains one of golf’s most remarkable sporting achievements. Today, her experiences of elite performance, leadership and overcoming pressure make Catriona an inspirational female motivational speaker for corporate, sporting and leadership audiences.

Born in Edinburgh and raised in North Berwick, Catriona learned golf on the town’s Children’s Course and West Links before establishing an outstanding amateur record. She became Scottish Girls Champion, won three Scottish Amateur titles and claimed the 1993 British Amateur Championship, while representing Great Britain and Ireland in three Curtis Cups. After graduating in accountancy from the University of Stirling, Catriona turned professional and qualified for both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. Her first professional victory came at the 1996 Australian Open, followed by further international success and regular selection for Europe’s Solheim Cup team.

Catriona’s career reached another level in 2009 when she captured her first Major Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. She later won the 2011 Lorena Ochoa Invitational and finished runner-up at the 2013 LPGA Championship. After representing Europe in nine Solheim Cups, Catriona transitioned into leadership, captaining Europe to a dramatic victory at Gleneagles in 2019 before successfully retaining the trophy in 2021. Following her retirement from competitive professional golf at St Andrews, she remained influential within the sport and was reappointed to captain Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup.

Catriona is hired as a motivational speaker for her rare perspective on sustained excellence, resilience and leading teams under intense pressure. Her achievements have been recognised with an OBE for services to golf, while her successful Solheim Cup captaincies demonstrate an ability to inspire world-class performers towards a shared goal. Drawing on Major Championship success, motherhood and decades in elite sport, Catriona delivers valuable lessons on confidence, teamwork, preparation and performing when expectations are highest.