Great Britain and Ireland reclaimed the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016 in what turned out to be a dramatic 10½-9½ triumph over the United States at Sunningdale.
Captained by four-time LPGA Tour winner Catriona Matthew, GB&I found themselves with in the lead at 7-5 entering the eight singles on Sunday.
At one point, the singles matches seemed to be favoring the U.S., with them leading in six out of eight matchups, increasing the chances of a potential famous comeback. However, victories for Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes, and Lorna McClymont took GB&I on the cusp of victory before Mim Rhodes earned the decisive half-point that sealed their ninth victory in the event.
In the anchor match between Rachael Kuehn and Aine Donegan, Kuehn came out on top to conclude the event with a final score of 10.5 to 9.5 in favor of Matthew’s side meaning she has become the first winning captain of the Curtis Cup for amateurs and the Solheim Cup for professionals.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Matthew said “It’s absolutely fantastic.”
“They were a fantastic team, I’m so proud of them, they really dug in every day, every session. It didn’t look as though it was perhaps going our way today but they really toughed it out and it’s been a fantastic experience for me getting to know them.
“At one point, I looked and it was all red; luckily there weren’t too many scoreboards so the players couldn’t see that but we’ve played well on the back nine all week and that really came out.
“A few of them turned their matches round and what an exciting finish. Hats off to the Americans as well. It takes two teams and there was some fantastic golf all three days. It made it a spectacle for women’s golf. 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’s right up there with everything, the Solheim Cup wins [as captain] and playing in that. Any time you’re part of a team and representing your country, I couldn’t be prouder.”