Two weeks off turned out to be just the ticket for 2019 European Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew. After missing consecutive cuts at the LPGA Volvik Championship and U.S. Women’s Open, Matthew went home to Scotland for some rest and relaxation, posting fun Instagram pictures of family outings at Gullane Golf Club, host of this year’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, and Archerfield Links.

Fast forward to this week in Arkansas and the time off clearly worked in Matthew’s favor. The 48-year-old returned a bogey-free 7-under 64, ending with a flourish with a birdie-eagle blitz to jump into a tie for second.

“After two weeks off, you never quite know,” said Matthew with a wry smile following her lowest round of the year and best since 2015. “To come out 7 under, my lowest one for the year, (I’m) delighted.”

Matthew’s Solheim Cup counterpart, USA Captain Juli Inkster, also lit up Pinnacle C.C. on Thursday. She reached -6 through 15 holes, but stumbled with back-to-back bogeys at her next two holes to finish at 4-under 64. It’s often been noted that Inkster could be a playing captain for the USA, so after today’s success, might that also be in the cards for Matthew? That question elicited a laugh and a very quick, very simple response.

“No.

Things Looking Up for Mirim Lee

Mirim Lee finished came off the course with a huge smile after her bogey-free 7-under 64. It’s been a while since Lee finished in the top 10 – 43 weeks to be exact, when she finished T5 at the 2017 Cambia Portland Classic.

“I had a lot of great shots, which set me up pretty easily for birdies,” said the three-time LPGA winner from the Republic of Korea. “My iron play was awesome, which helped me get those birdies.”

Since competing in the ANA Inspiration, Lee has missed the cut or withdrawn from five consecutive events. However, Lee continues to be patient and only focus on the shot at hand.

“I don’t really think about the win [2017 Kia Classic], I just take it shot by shot, day by day. I haven’t really able to find my rhythm yet, I’ve been searching for my game again,” explained Lee, who is trying to make her sixth cut of the season in her 12th start. “When I hit my driver, I haven’t been able to hit as many fairways. So my second shots are way harder to recover.”

Solheim Cup Captains Shine in Round One of Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

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