As the 43rd Curtis Cup Match approaches at Sunningdaleโs famed Old Course, golf enthusiasts worldwide anticipate an intense battle between Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) and the United States.
Leading amateur golfers Hannah Darling and Rachel Kuehn are banking on their past Curtis Cup experiences to bolster their teamsโ chances in this weekโs event.
Running from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 1, the Curtis Cup brings together the top female amateur golfers from both sides of the Atlantic.
With GB&I eager to claim their first victory since 2016, the renowned Berkshire course provides a stunning backdrop for this biennial contest.
Two-time Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew OBE leads the GB&I side, while the American squad is under the guidance of Meghan Stasi.
The USA, riding high after winning the last three matches, including their most recent triumph on home turf at Merion in 2022, face a tough challenge as they aim for another victory on foreign soil.
Hannah Darling: A Veteran in Her Prime
Scotland’s Hannah Darling, 21, is making her third Curtis Cup appearance after playing at Conwy in 2021 and Merion in 2022.
As one of the more seasoned players on the GB&I team, Darling is eager to use her experience to guide her teammates.
โIโm very excited,” Darling shared. “Iโve played in the Curtis Cup twice already and Iโve loved both weeks.
Iโm really excited to be here and join this group of players and try and win the cup. This year, being one of the more experienced players, Iโm looking forward to bringing some wisdom to help our team get the win.โ
Darling also highlighted the unique thrill of playing at home. โSunningdale is awesomeโฆPlaying at home is amazing, there is no better feeling. This year is going to be really special with the fans here and the level of support.โ
Englandโs Lottie Woad, a rising star ranked as the leading woman on the World Amateur Golf Rankingยฎ (WAGRยฎ), also looks set to play a crucial role.
The 20-year-old claimed the Smyth Salver as the leading amateur at the recent AIG Womenโs Open and brings a competitive edge to Matthewโs squad.
The Rhodes Sisters: A Family Affair
Adding a special dimension to the GB&I team are sisters Mimi and Patience Rhodes, the first siblings to compete together in the Curtis Cup since Leona and Lisa Maguire in 2010.
Patience, 20, expressed her excitement: โBeing here with my sister, Mimi, is just making it that more special.
My family is really happy, and theyโre so excited to come and watch usโฆ Itโs like a dream come true.โ
Rachel Kuehn: Leading the American Charge
The USA team, rich in talent and experience, features four of the top-ten players from WAGRยฎโZoe Campos, Jasmine Koo, Catherine Park, and Rachel Kuehn.
Kuehn, 23, who clinched the winning point for the USA in both 2021 and 2022, is prepared for her third Curtis Cup outing.
โThis is never a week I take for granted,” Kuehn noted. “Itโs a week Iโve always looked forward toโฆ I think itโs going to be a really great week.
The format is really special, and there is just something about representing your country that means a lot to all the girls on our team.โ
Among the American ranks, 15-year-old Asterisk Talley stands out as one of the youngest players in Curtis Cup history.
Fresh from representing the USA in the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup, Talley brings youthful energy and a fearless approach to the team.
โIโm super excited to be here,” Talley said. “Coming into this summer, I wasnโt sure I was going to make itโฆ I donโt really get nerves that much.
Iโve been playing in tournaments since I was five-years-old, so Iโve lived with nerves my whole life.โ
Excitement Builds for a Memorable Week
With sunny weather forecasted, large crowds are expected at Sunningdale, adding to the atmosphere of what promises to be a memorable Curtis Cup.
Tickets remain available, with advance prices set at ยฃ22 for adults, ยฃ11 for youths (16โ25), and free for under-16s.
Season tickets cost ยฃ44 for adults, and walk-up prices at the gate are ยฃ25 for adults, with 50% off for youths.
Fans eager to witness this thrilling contest can find more information and purchase tickets at www.curtiscup.org.
