As the 43rd Curtis Cup approaches, the historic Sunningdale Golf Club in England is set to host an intense matchup from August 30 to September 1, 2024. This prestigious competition pits eight of the finest female amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) against their American counterparts, in a bid for ultimate glory in women’s amateur golf.
This year, the American team needs to secure 10 points to retain the Cup, having decimated GB&I in the last encounter at Merion Golf Club with a score of 15.5-4.5. On the other hand, the GB&I team requires 10.5 points to reclaim the trophy, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive event. The format will feature three foursomes and three four-ball matches on the first two days, followed by eight singles matches on the final day.
This competition shines a spotlight on young talents like 15-year-old Asterisk Talley and world number one amateur Lottie Woad, who is thrilled about playing on familiar terrain. “I’m really looking forward to the Curtis Cup. It is one of the big goals that I think any amateur wants to play in and being near where I live, there’s going to be a lot of supporters. It’s one of my favorite golf courses in the world – I just love heathland courses. It’s going to be really fun. I’ve played Sunningdale quite a bit, so I know the course,” said Woad. “It looks like the weather is going to be a lot better than it was in Scotland last week, and I’m looking forward to being able to hit the ball in the air again after playing knock-down shots all week at St Andrews!”
The American squad, seasoned and diverse with talents up to the age of 23, faces a spirited GB&I team captained by Catriona Matthew. Notable GB&I members include Patience Rhodes and her sister Mimi, marking the first time siblings have competed together in the Curtis Cup since 2010. Patience expressed her excitement not only about the competition but also about playing alongside her sister: “I’m so excited to be here. Being here with my sister, Mimi, as well, it’s just making it that more special. We’ve been saying it since we were younger that it would be really cool to play together in the Curtis Cup and having that happen is like a dream come true. I love match play; you kind of just go for things and it’s more exciting. Anything can happen. Sunningdale is a gorgeous course. The greens are amazing and rolling so well. Just being here at home with the home crowds is great.”
Viewers can catch live coverage of the Curtis Cup on Sky Sports, capturing every moment of this challenging and exhilarating format. Tickets remain available at the gate, offering a significant opportunity for supporters to watch the future stars of women’s golf in action.
As these athletes take to the greens, it’s not just a battle for the Curtis Cup; it is a showcase of potential, resilience, and emerging talent in women’s golf. The historical significance, intense personal rivalries, and the sheer skill on display make the 43rd Curtis Cup not just a sporting event but a landmark occasion in the sport’s rich and evolving history.
