Key Singles Wins Secure Victory

GB&I secured their win thanks to key singles victories from Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes, and Lorna McClymont, all of whom delivered under pressure on the final day. Mimi Rhodes added a crucial half-point to their tally, allowing the hosts to extend their 7-5 lead from the previous day to a narrow but decisive 10.5 points. The atmosphere was electric, with a record crowd, including European Ryder Cup star Justin Rose, witnessing the historic win.

McClymont's Crucial Role

Lorna McClymont played a pivotal role in GB&I’s success, clinching a 3&2 victory over Megan Schofill. Simultaneously, Mimi Rhodes secured at least a half-point by sinking a crucial par putt on the 17th hole against Melanie Green, pushing GB&I to the 10.5 points needed for the overall win.

Although Rhodes ended her match all square after losing the 18th hole to Green, the half-point was enough for GB&I to triumph. This marked a significant achievement for captain Catriona Matthew, who previously led Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories and now adds a Curtis Cup win to her impressive record.

Strong Competition from the United States

The United States team, featuring four of the top ten players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, mounted a strong challenge. At one point on Sunday morning, they led in six of the eight matches. Notable performances included a 3&2 win by 15-year-old Asterisk Talley over Lottie Woad, as well as victories by Anna Davis, Jasmine Koo, and Rachel Kuehn over Hannah Darling, Beth Coulter, and Aine Donegan, respectively.

Despite these strong showings, GB&I’s players, particularly Sara Byrne, delivered under pressure, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team.

A Day Filled with Drama

The final day of the Curtis Cup was intense and filled with suspense. Talley earned the first point of the day for the USA, showcasing exceptional play with five birdies and an eagle on the 10th hole to beat Woad. This was Woad's first defeat of the week, underscoring the level of competition.

Patience Rhodes then captured her first point of the week in style, defeating Zoe Campos 6&5, highlighted by a superb tee shot at the par-3 13th. Byrne followed with a 3&2 win against Catherine Park, while Anna Davis responded for the USA with a 3&2 win over Darling. With the contest still wide open, attention turned to the remaining matches.

McClymont, a key player for GB&I, faced a tough challenge against Megan Schofill. The match was even through eight holes, but McClymont pulled ahead by winning three of the next five holes, setting up a commanding lead that she maintained to secure the win.

Celebration Time

While McClymont was wrapping up her match, Mimi Rhodes mounted a remarkable comeback against Green, overturning a three-hole deficit to take a one-hole lead. Rhodes held her nerve to save par on the 17th, ensuring GB&I reached the crucial 10.5 points needed for victory. Though Green managed to win the 18th, securing a half-point, it wasn't enough to change the outcome.

Despite late wins from Jasmine Koo and Rachel Kuehn for the USA, the victory was already in GB&I's hands. The final green was the scene of joyous celebrations as Rhodes and her teammates celebrated a well-earned win.

GB&I's triumph at Sunningdale adds them to a prestigious list of champions who have graced this historic venue, such as Judy Rankin, Nancy Lopez, Karrie Webb, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, and the 1987 USA Walker Cup team. The next Curtis Cup will take place at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles from 12-14 June 2026.