The prestigious 43rd Curtis Cup is set to take place from August 30 to September 1 at the renowned Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, UK. This year’s competition, held on Sunningdale’s historic Old Course, promises to be an exciting event, showcasing top amateur talent from Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) against their formidable counterparts from the United States.
Representing the GB&I squad are eight exceptional players, meticulously selected to provide the best opportunity to regain the Curtis Cup. The team includes Sara Byrne, Beth Coulter, Aine Donegan (all from Ireland), Hannah Darling, Lorna McClymont (both from Scotland), and from England, the Rhodes sisters, Euphemie and Patience, along with the world’s number one ranked women’s amateur player, Lottie Woad. The team was chosen by blending the top five players from the World Amateur Golf Ranking with three of the captain’s picks.
Catriona Matthew, the esteemed captain of the GB&I team, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming match. “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,” said Matthew. Matthew’s affinity for the Curtis Cup is deeply personal, as she reminisced about her own amateur days. “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.”
The chosen venue, Sunningdale Golf Club, adds a layer of charm and prestige to this year’s Curtis Cup. Sunningdale’s Old Course, renowned for its picturesque beauty and challenging layout, ensures that the competition will be as testing as it is memorable. This biennial event not only highlights the finest amateur talent but also underscores the long history and deep traditions of women’s golf.
Historically, GB&I last claimed the Curtis Cup in 2016 with a remarkable 11½ to 8½ victory over the USA at Dún Laoghaire in Ireland. This year’s team, featuring both returning stars and fresh faces, is determined to recreate that success on home turf. Notably, the Rhodes sisters, Euphemie and Patience, bring a unique dynamic to the team, marking the first sibling duo in the Curtis Cup since Leona and Lisa Maguire in 2010.
Capt. Matthew’s legacy in golf extends beyond her amateur triumphs, having led the European team to back-to-back victories in the Solheim Cup, both as a player and a captain. Her wealth of experience is expected to be an invaluable asset to the GB&I team as they aim to triumph in this prestigious event.
As golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the tournament, the Curtis Cup continues to be a significant event that fosters international camaraderie and highlights the extraordinary talent of amateur golfers. The outcomes of the matches at Sunningdale will not only define the careers of these young athletes but also inspire future generations of golfers.
With the stage set and the teams finalized, fans on both sides of the Atlantic will be closely watching as the GB&I and USA teams vie for glory in what promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The anticipation is palpable as the golfing world awaits to see which team will emerge victorious in this storied competition.
Tickets to watch the action at Sunningdale are available to purchase at www.randa.org. Adult day tickets are priced at £22, with a three-day pass costing £44.
