Golf: Matthew picks up well-deserved Player of the Year award

Published on Monday 14 December 2009 08:56

NORTH BERWICK'S Catriona Matthew flew home from the Dubai Ladies' Masters just in time to attend last night's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Sheffield – but not before she had picked up the award of the Ladies' European Tour Player of the Year.

The Tour members vote for the golfer who "has made most impact over the season" and the 40-year-old was a deserved recipient.

In August, she became the first Scot to claim a major at the Ricoh Women's British Open at Lytham and St Annes just 11 weeks after the arrival of second daughter Sophie.

A couple of weeks later she was setting another Scottish record by becoming the first Scot to play in five Solheim Cups.

"It's fantastic to be voted by the other players," said Matthew. "It's capped off a great season for me. Now I'm looking forward to spending Christmas at home with the family in Scotland."

A final round 70 at the Emirates Club saw Matthew finish on eight under par in Dubai and brought her season's earnings in Europe to 259,871, which was good enough for second place on the money list.

"I played really well all week by just didn't hole quite enough putts," she added. "But it was another good tournament."

Sophie Gustafson held on to top spot after a 71 for six under par. Her final total was 281,315 and it is the fourth time this decade that the Swede has been crowned No.1 on the LET.

South Korea's In Kyung Kim, the leader from halfway, closed with a 68 and won on 18 under par, three better than American Michelle Wie, who became the third player of the tournament to equal the course record of 65.

Musselburgh's Vikki Laing ended her solid rookie season with a round of 75 and tied for 19th place – her second top 20 of the year – on three under par. Krystle Caithness, the third Scot to make the cut, had a 74 and was on seven over par.

Laing finished the season in 53rd place on 32,626, while Caithness was 41st with 46,336.