The eight-strong team to represent Great Britain and Ireland in the 43rd Curtis Cup, which is being held at Sunningdale Golf Club at the end of this month, has been announced
The GB&I team to face their USA rivals comprises Sara Byrne (Ireland); Beth Coulter (Ireland; Hannah Darling (Scotland); Aine Donegan (Ireland); Lorna McClymont (Scotland; Euphemie Rhodes (England); Patience Rhodes (England), and Lottie Woad (England).
The top five players on the World Amateur Golf Ranking and three captain’s selections make up the GB&I side. Surrey’s Lottie Woad is currently the number one ranked women’s amateur player in the world, while sisters Euphemie and Patience Rhodes from Burham & Berrow in Somerset are the first sisters to compete in the match since Leona and Lisa Maguire in 2010.
Anna Foster (Ireland) and Nellie Ong (England) are the non-travelling reserves.
SUNNINGDALE DATES
The biennial encounter is taking place at the renowned Berkshire venue from August 30 to September 1, with GB&I bidding to win the famous trophy for the first time since 2016 when the team secured a 11½-8½ victory at Dún Laoghaire in Ireland.
Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories and has ushered in a new era for GB&I as captain, said, “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.”
WATCHING THE MATCH
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.