GB&I record thrilling Curtis Cup victory over USA after 8 years

Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) recorded a historic win after defeating the USA at the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016. The tournament was played at the former's home turf at the Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England.

Gb&I were led by double Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew. While the team was trailing after six matches, they mounted an incredible comeback to take a 7-5 lead in the final day's singles. Even with an inexperienced team, the USA entered the event as the favorite to win. However, it was the underdogs who triumphed at Sunningdale with a 10.5 - 9.5 score.

Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes, and Lorna McClaymont were instrumental in the victory for the GB&I side as they posted wins to gain 10 points. However, the team still needed another half to win.

GB&I player Mimi Rhodes was three down on the eighth tee but making a stunning return to the game, she won four of the next seven matches to seal a one-hole lead. Although Rhodes lost on the 18th, she had parred on the 17th. The halved match was enough for GB&I to lift the trophy after eight years.

World No. 1 amateur Lottie Woad incurred her first loss in five matches, courtesy of 15-year-old Asterisk Talley of the USA. Woad lost 3-2 in the top match.

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"The future of women's golf is in good hands" - Catriona Matthew on both the Curtis Cup teams

Catriona Matthew (Source: Imagn)

The Curtis Cup is a biennial tournament for amateur female golfers, played between the USA and 'Great Britain and Ireland' (GB&I). Since 2016, the GB&I had not won the event. Thus, winning the 2024 Curtis Cup is historic for them.

The victorious team was led by two-time Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew, who herself is a Curtis Cup winner. Thrilled with the win, she said (via BBC):

"It's right up there with everything, the Solheim Cup wins [as captain] and playing in that. I couldn't be prouder."

Many golfers wait to turn professional to play in the Curtis Cup. Through tournaments like these, one can envision the future of golf. Matthew shared this sentiment and said:

"The future of women's golf is in good hands when you see both teams. It was a great contest, you love these to be close. It's what makes it exciting for all the fans and it's just nice to edge your way on top."

It was a euphoric moment for the GB&I team on the 18th green to record a historic win in front of their overjoyed home crowd.