The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as eight top-notch golfers have been selected to represent Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) in the 43rd Curtis Cup.
This classic contest against the United States will be held from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 1, at the legendary Sunningdale Golf Club.
With the aim of reclaiming the trophy, last won in 2016 with an 11½-8½ victory at Dún Laoghaire, the GB&I team is raring to go.
Leading the charge is none other than Catriona Matthew OBE, a woman who has not only captained Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories but has also ushered in a new era of hope and determination for the GB&I squad.
“I’m really looking forward to the match at Sunningdale. We have selected eight players who we believe provide us the best opportunity of regaining the Curtis Cup against the United States of America on home soil.
This role means a lot to me. When I was an amateur golfer, getting in the Curtis Cup side was always the main focus.
I was lucky enough to play in it three times. With all my experience as a professional in the Solheim Cup, as a player and captain, I’ve enjoyed the chance to go back to where it all started.
I’m really excited about leading the team at Sunningdale,” Matthew said, capturing the essence of her passion and dedication.
The squad is a blend of the top five players from the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) and three specially selected golfers.
Headlining the roster is Lottie Woad, the world’s number-one ranked amateur, and the dynamic sister duo of Euphemie and Patience Rhodes—the first sisters to compete in the Curtis Cup since Leona and Lisa Maguire in 2010.
Meet the GB&I Team:
- Sara Byrne (Ireland, Douglas, 23) – A newcomer to the Curtis Cup, Byrne has had a banner year, representing Ireland in the Arnold Palmer Cup and the European Ladies’ Team Championship. Her accolades include winning the Irish Women’s Close Championship and earning low amateur honours in the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
- Beth Coulter (Ireland, Kirkistown Castle, 20) – Another debutant, Coulter has shown remarkable consistency, finishing eighth in the Irish Women’s Open Stroke Play and making it to the match play stages of The Women’s Amateur Championship.
- Hannah Darling (Scotland, Broomieknowe, 21) – A veteran of the Curtis Cup, Darling is making her third appearance. She has had an impressive year, featuring in the Arnold Palmer Cup and reaching the match play stages of The Women’s Amateur Championship.
- Aine Donegan (Ireland, Lahinch, 22) – Also making her debut, Donegan has impressed with her performances in the NCAA Women’s Golf Individual Championship and the US Women’s Open.
- Lorna McClymont (Scotland, Milngavie, 23) – Competing in her first Curtis Cup, McClymont has been a standout in the R&A Student Tour Series and has secured multiple victories in WAGR® events.
- Euphemie Rhodes (England, Burnham & Berrow, 22) – A Curtis Cup first-timer, Euphemie has had a stellar year, finishing third in the South American Women’s Amateur and contributing to Wake Forest’s national championship title.
- Patience Rhodes (England, Burnham & Berrow, 20) – Joining her sister Euphemie, Patience has battled injuries to deliver strong performances in international competitions.
- Lottie Woad (England, Farnham, 20) – The top-ranked amateur in the world, Woad’s year includes winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and competing in three major championships.
Reserves:
- Anna Foster (Ireland, Elm Park, 22)
- Nellie Ong (England, Eaton, 18)
Captain:
Catriona Matthew OBE – The seasoned Scot is leading the GB&I team for the first time.
As a member of three Curtis Cup teams and a victor in the Solheim Cup, Matthew brings a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to the team.
Spectator Information:
Fans of golf are in for a treat with the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale. Tickets are available at www.randa.org, with adult tickets starting at £22 and a three-day season ticket for just £44.
The R&A’s ‘Kids go Free’ program continues to encourage young fans, allowing children under 16 to attend free when accompanied by a paying adult.
For those aged 16-24, half-price youth tickets are available.
Recent Curtis Cup Results:
- 2022: Merion, USA 15½ GB&I 4½
- 2021: Conwy, GB&I 7½ USA 12½
- 2018: Quaker Ridge, USA 17 GB&I 3
- 2016: Dún Laoghaire, GB&I 11½ USA 8½
- 2014: St Louis, USA 13 GB&I 7
- 2012: Nairn, GB&I 10½ USA 9½
With a lineup brimming with talent and a captain with a proven track record, the GB&I team is primed to put up a formidable fight at Sunningdale.
This Curtis Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with the kind of drama and excitement that only golf can deliver.
