Muirfield will stage 'great' AIG Women's Open, says Catriona Matthew

Muirfield will stage the AIG Women's Open for the first time in 2022, having only opened its doors to women members in May 2017

Catriona Matthew has welcomed the 2022 AIG Women's Open heading to Muirfield, admitting there had been a time when she felt the East Lothian club would never host a top ladies' event.

The historic occasion at the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers was announced on Wednesday by R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers as he unveiled a five-year schedule for the major.

That will start with a visit to Carnoustie next year, with Walton Heath (2023), St Andrews (2024) and Royal Porthcawl (2025) also lined up to host one of the top tournaments in the women's game.

However, the news about Muirfield was the main headline due to it having been one of the last bastions of men-only clubs until women members were given the green light to join just over three years ago.

"I probably wouldn't have believed it then," said Matthew, speaking after getting off to a great start in this week's similar historic staging at Royal Troon, in reply to what her reaction would have been to the Muirfield announcement 10 years ago.

"I think it's great that they're taking this event to Open rota golf courses, obviously Troon and Muirfield coming on now that they've got lady members.

"I think the players are just going to love going and playing at Muirfield, Carnoustie, St. Andrews, Walton Heath, a great selection of golf courses.

"Muirfield is a great one, I think. The men all kind of rave about it. I've been lucky enough to play it a few times and really enjoy it. So I think that will be one that we're looking forward to."

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