Great Britain and Ireland, with Catriona Matthew at the helm, wins first Curtis Cup in 8 years https://t.co/8FHOtvmiYJ
— Golf Tweets (@Golf_Tweets) September 1, 2024
Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) secured a long-awaited Curtis Cup victory over the United States in an exhilarating finale at Sunningdale, England. The team exhibited admirable determination and grit to claim a 10 ½ – 9 ½ win. Catriona Matthew, their inspirational captain, made history as she became the first leader of both Solheim Cup and Curtis Cup title winners.
GB&I’s Grit Leads to Stunning Curtis Cup Comeback
On the last day of the tournament, GB&I entered into singles matches with a slim lead of 7-5 and were up against a daunting challenge. The American team was determined to bridge the gap and took an early advantage in five out of six opening matches. Despite this setback, under Matthew’s leadership, GB&I displayed outstanding perseverance enabling them to make a comeback on the decisive back nine – ultimately securing victory.
GB&I’s Mimi Rhodes stepped up as a remarkable player, delivering a crucial performance that sealed victory for her team with the necessary half-point. Despite falling 3-down after seven holes against Bailey Green, she mounted an impressive comeback and secured the lead by sinking a birdie on hole fourteen. Ultimately, Rhodes’ match became pivotal in determining the result – but she held strong and maintained her advantage with an exceptional 18-foot par putt on hole seventeen to guarantee at least half-a-point for GB&I.
Catriona Matthew Lauds GB&I’s Grit in Thrilling Finish
Catriona Matthew praised her team’s grit, stating, “They really dug in every day. It didn’t look like it was going our way today, but they really toughed it out. It looked at one point it was all red (scores). We played well on the back nine all week, and that really came out.”
Other notable performances came from Patience Rhodes, Mimi’s sister, who secured GB&I’s first point of the day with a commanding 6-and-5 victory over Zoe Campos. Sara Byrne also played a crucial role, finishing the week unbeaten with a 3-and-2 win over Catherine Park.
While the Americans put up a strong fight, highlighted by 15-year-old Asterisk Talley’s impressive win over Lottie Woad, the No. 1 ranked women’s amateur, it wasn’t enough to overcome GB&I’s determination.
GB&I has achieved a significant milestone with this victory, as they last succeeded in claiming the Curtis Cup championship back in 2016 when it was held on Irish soil. Though the U.S team holds an all-time series lead of 33-9-3, GB&I’s recent triumph demonstrates their increasing power and tenacity.
As GB&I celebrates this historic win, Matthew’s leadership and the team’s unwavering spirit will be remembered as key elements in ending an eight-year wait for the Curtis Cup.
