Moriya Jutanugarn picks Catriona Matthew in headline pairing for $1m Aramco Team Series – Bangkok

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn will partner up with Solheim Cup star Catriona Matthew in one of the headline fourballs at this week’s Aramco Team Series – Bangkok.

She used her captain’s pick in Tuesday night’s pre-tournament draft to recruit the Scot, an 11-time Tour champion and Major-winner, but perhaps most revered for her back-to-back roles captaining Team Europe to Solheim Cup success.

Spanish Ladies European Tour rookie Paz Marfa Sans will complete the professional side of the team with the addition of an amateur golfer before play gets underway at the Thai Country Club on Thursday.

“Playing in my home country is very exciting,” said Jutanugarn, who is making her second appearance in an Aramco Team Series event. “I wanted to pick the legend Catriona as she’ll make me feel a lot more calm – maybe I can learn from her as well. I’m really happy with my team. For us, I think it’s just a case of going out, enjoying it, and having fun. If we do, I’m sure we’ll be good!” 

Asked if her captain for the week, the world’s No. 50, was a player she respected, Matthew said: “Oh, absolutely! I’ve played a lot with Moriya on the LPGA over the years. I haven’t seen her in a wee while, so I’m delighted to be playing together and being able to catch up.”

Jutanugarn was one pick earlier in the draft than her younger sister, Ariya, who is competing in the same Bangkok event, which has been added to the LET calendar for the first time this year.

Ariya, like her sister, used her captain’s selection to recruit a Scot – Laura Beveridge. Anne-Charlotte Mora of France was the third addition to the team. Asked about her captain’s pick, the two-time Major-winner said: “I’ve not known so much about Laura, but I had been looking