Surrey Women's Golf
Sensational victory for GB&I in the Curtis Cup with Surrey Girls carrying the scoreboards
GB&I secured a magnificent victory against the USA in the Curtis Cup to bring the trophy back to our shores for the first time since 2016. Over three days of intense competition at Sunningdale Golf Club (30th August - 1st September), the GB&I team took on the Americans in foursomes, four ball and singles match play. Local interest was guaranteed with the inclusion of World Number 1 ranked woman Lottie Woad of Farnham in the GB&I team. Lottie played in all five sessions, a staggering feat of endurance following her fantastic performance at the AIG Women's Open in St Andrews the previous week, in which she won the Smyth Salver for the top performing amateur.
The matches could not have been more closely fought, nor more exciting for the record crowds of spectators, among whom were Surrey's past Curtis Cup players Diane Bailey and Jill Thornhill. After Day 1 the match scores were level: GB&I 3 - USA 3. The Americans are known to be extremely strong in the final day's 8 singles matches and so GB&I knew they had to put in a good performance on Day 2 if they were to have a chance of winning the Cup. Some very tight matches, several of which went to the 18th, resulted in a score of GB&I 7 - USA 5.
So to Sunday's 8 singles matches. The sun shone and Sunningdale looked spectacular. Large crowds walked the fairways with each match and anxiously watched the scoreboards as holes were won and lost and the overall projected result swung between the two teams. Singles victories for the undefeated Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes and Lorna McClymont, together with a vital half-point from Mimi Rhodes, ensured GB&I converted their overnight advantage into a thrilling triumph, delighting the large crowds.
What a fantastic event and how lucky for us that it was on our doorstep! Excitingly, Surrey Junior girls were scoreboard carriers for all the matches, an inspirational opportunity for them to watch these talented young women play fantastic golf at close hand. Perhaps some of them will play in the Curtis Cup one day?
Huge congratulations to the GB&I team for a thrilling match and a sensational victory.
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
