The 43rd Curtis Cup: A Preview
Excitement Builds for the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale Golf Club
The prestigious 43rd Curtis Cup is set to kick off at Sunningdale Golf Club this week, with the opening ceremony scheduled for August 29. The event will feature three days of competitive action from Friday to Sunday, as eight female amateurs from Great Britain & Ireland go head-to-head against their counterparts from the USA.
A Competitive Format
The matches will follow a format of three foursomes and three four-ball matches on each of the first two competition days. On Sunday, eight singles matches will be contested. Points are awarded for victories, with one full point given and a half-point earned for tied matches after 18 holes. The USA needs 10 points to retain the Cup, while GB&I requires 10.5 points to reclaim it.
USA comes into this year’s event as strong favorites after handing out a heavy defeat of 15.5-4.5 to GB&I in the previous edition held at Merion Golf Club in 2022.
Key Players and Expectations
Farnham GC’s Lottie Woad is expected to be a key player for GB&I in this year’s Curtis Cup. As the current women’s world amateur no.1, Woad brings a wealth of talent and experience to her team.
Woad expressed her excitement about competing in the prestigious event: “It is one of the big goals that I think any amateur wants to play in… It’s going to be really fun.” She also highlighted her familiarity with Sunningdale Golf Club and her eagerness to compete alongside her peers once again.
The home side led by captain Catriona Matthew also includes sisters Mimi and Patience Rhodes, making them the first sisters duo since Leona and Lisa Maguire in 2010.
Patience Rhodes shared her excitement about playing alongside her sister: “Being here with my sister… it’s just making it that more special… Just being here at home with the home crowds is great.”
Team Lineups
Great Britain & Ireland:
- Sara Byrne
- Beth Coulter
- Hannah Darling
- Aine Donegan
- Lorna McClymont
- Euphemie Rhodes
- Patience Rhodes
- Lottie Woad
United States:
- Zoe Campos
- Anna Davis
- Rachel Kuehn -Asterisk Talley -Catherine Park -Jasmine Koo -Melanie Green -Megan Schofill
Tickets can be purchased on-site at Sunningdale Golf Club during each day of competition, with live coverage available on Sky Sports from August 30th through September 1st.