Sponsors never came after Catriona Matthew's win

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 15:37

ON REFLECTION, even the ever modest Catriona Matthew admits that her win in the Ricoh Women's British Open a year ago was an astonishing achievement.

Not only did she become the first Scot to win a women's major, but she did so just 11 weeks after the birth of second daughter, Sophie.

"At the time, it was something I just went out and did," she said of her three-shot win at Royal Lytham and St Annes. "But, maybe looking back, it was quite special. I think everyone else was amazed that I could be back playing and winning so quickly."

While a number of awards - including an MBE - recognised her victory, it is surprising how little has come her way in terms of commercial deals. Whoever - British or not - wins The Open Championship, part of the package is that endorsement deals roll in as easily as two foot putts.

But it wasn't the case for Matthew. All she has been given is a short-term arrangement from Aberdeen Asset Management. In fact, it covered just last week's Evian Masters and this week at Birkdale, although she is hopeful it could be extended. "I probably hoped to get a little more," admitted Matthew, who would be a perfect partner for corporate guests. "But it is just one of those things. Male golfers get more coverage and are higher profile."

Laura Davies, who won the British Open at Birkdale in 1986, was unaware that Matthew was bereft of major sponsorship, and was duly shocked. "I'm very surprised," said the British legend. "She's such a nice girl and would be a good representative for any sponsor. It was when I won the US Open (1987] that it really started for me. But it's a disgrace. I mean, she was a British golfer winning the British Open on a world stage and with TV coverage from all over the world."

So could Matthew - with husband Graeme in his usual role as caddie - possibly do it again? "Well, I feel great and I've been looking forward to this week all year," she said.

"It's been nice to get here and on to the course. Graeme and I have come without the girls this week. They're at home with the grandparents in North Berwick. In fact, Katie (3) has got swimming lessons."

There are another four Scots in the field - Janice Moodie, Vikki Laing, Krystle Caithness plus qualifier Lynn Kenny - and the full list of 144 players includes the very best from all around the globe.

Jiyai Shin, the world No 1 from South Korea, arrived in Lancashire fresh from a victory in the Evian Masters on Sunday, while heading the US challenge are Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie.

Creamer, who underwent thumb surgery earlier in the year, won the US Women's Open three weeks ago, and admits that it lifted a huge weight from her 23-year-old shoulders.

"It was a huge relief, and so nice not to be asked ‘when are you going to win a major?' any more," she said.

"There were some dark clouds during my time off. I did wonder whether I would ever be able to play golf at the top level again.

"But it has made me a better player. Maybe not technically, but definitely mentally. The thumb itself is still not fully healed. It was difficult last week at Evian and, when I arrived here on Monday, I wondered if I would be able to practice. But it's OK."

Wie has experienced so much - good and bad - since she finished joint third as an amateur here in 2005.

Nowadays the spotlight doesn't glare quite so brightly on the 20-year-old, however she remains one of the greatest talents in the women's game. "It's nice to be back," she said. "I remember every hole and the goal this week is to do better than last time."

Meanwhile, The Ricoh Women's British Open will be broadcast on the BBC up to and including the 2016 championship following a new five-year agreement announced yesterday.