From an Irish point of view, both Beth Coulter and Julie McCarthy excelled on the opening day of the prestigious Vagliano trophies but as a collective, it was a day of mixed fortune for GB&I against the Continent of Europe at Royal St George’s.
In the senior Vagliano Trophy, Swords golfer McCarthy picked up where she left off at the Arnold Palmer Cup to down Swede Frida Kinhult in their singles match, 3&1. McCarthy took the match despite being four-over herself on the round before her opponent conceded on 17.
The morning session was halved 4-4 with the tie perfectly balanced ahead of the afternoon foursomes.
McCarthy paired with England’s Annabel Fuller in what looked like a great grouping for GB&I, however Italians Alessia Nobilio and Caterina Don had other ideas, inflicting a 6&5 defeat on McCarthy and Fuller with GB&I going down in the afternoon session, 3-1.
The match remains in the balance ahead of Saturday’s final day with the Continent of Europe leading 7-5.
In the Junior Trophy, Kirkistown Castle’s Coulter raised McCarthy’s morning prowess and was even more dominant in her singles match; trouncing Amelie Leth-Nissen 4&3 after playing her 15 holes in one-under par.
With GB&I winning the morning session 4-2, the Continental side fought back in the afternoon foursomes, capturing the first two points to draw level.
Coulter was out in the last match alongside Ffion Tynan and again the Irishwoman didn’t disappoint, with the pair grinding hard to win what could be a crucial point; GB&I, captained by Dubliner Maria Dunne, taking Friday 5-4
Junior Vagliano Scoring HERE
Vagliano Trophy Scoring HERE
Leave a comment