By: Max Bechtoldt
For the first time since 2016, the United States is not going home with the Curtis Cup, as Great Britain and Ireland won 10 1/2 to 9 1/2.
Coming into the Sunday singles round, GB&I held a two point advantage through their strong play in Saturday’s fourball session. The United States got off to a quick start, with early red on the board in each of the eight matches of the day.
The first match out featured arguably the biggest stars for each team, Asterisk Talley of the United States and Lottie Woad from England. Talley won three holes in a row on 9, 10 and 11 to take control of the match, which she won 3&2.
Sara Byrne kept up her momentum for GB&I defeating Catherine Park 3&2. Likewise, Patience Rhodes dominated her match against Zoe Campos, winning 6&5.
The United States did have its strong moments though, with Anna Davis handedly defeating Hannah Darling 3&2, while Jasmine Koo won four holes in a row on the back nine, cruising to a 4&3 victory.
Veteran American Rachel Kuehn locked up her match with Aine Donegan (above) after a couple of back nine struggles made it close. An incredible approach shot on the par 5 14 set her up with an easy eagle, and she didn’t look back, winning 3&2. Lorna McClymont for GB&I also clinched a match that got tight late, after American Megan Schofill struggled heavily on 16. McClymont won 3&2.
Not surprisingly, the Curtis Cup was decided by the only match that was halved, between Melanie Green and Mimi Rhodes. Rhodes fought back hard in a match she was three down, taking her first lead on 14. On 17 she hit a terrible tee shot that blocked her out from the green. A terrific third shot though and a confident, long putt, clinched the halve and the Curtis Cup for GB&I.
