Beth Coulter will make her second Curtis Cup appearance this September in Bel Air Country Club after she was named in Catriona Matthew’s Great Britain and Ireland squad to take on the USA.
The biennial encounter is taking place at the renowned Los Angeles venue from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June with GB&I bidding to retain the famous trophy after a memorable 10½-9½ victory at Sunningdale in 2024.
One of two members of the GB&I team who featured in the 2024 victory over the USA at Sunningdale alongside Patience Rhodes, Coulter plans to turn professional this summer.
The Arizona State University student has a wealth of team experience, helping GB&I to a first victory since 2005 in the Vagliano Trophy. She has played in the World Amateur Team Championship, European Team Championship and Home Internationals, in addition to her successful Curtis Cup debut two years ago.
The Kirkistown Castle star also reached the quarter-finals of The Women’s Amateur Championship in 2023 and has been a runner-up in the Irish Women’s Amateur Open, Irish Women’s Close Championship and multiple collegiate events in America as well as making two Augusta National Women’s Amateur appearances.
Scottish legend Matthew returns as Captain with GB&I aiming for a first win on American soil since 1986.
Matthew, who famously led Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2021, said, “I’m really looking forward to the match at Bel-Air. We have selected eight players who we believe will provide us with the best opportunity of retaining the Curtis Cup against the United States of America.
“With a number of players turning professional since the last match, we have a new, exciting team. In terms of the amateur rankings, we will be the underdogs but we also were at Sunningdale. It’s going to be a challenge but in match play anyone can beat anyone and it’s just trying to instil that belief in my players.
“I’ve enjoyed my role as Captain. It’s great fun to see the next generation come through, getting to know them and trying to help them. We are all preparing to give our best at Bel-Air next month.”
Elm Park golfer Emma Fleming is second reserve for the contest.
The GB&I team:
- Beth Coulter, Ireland, Kirkistown Castle, 22
- Sophia Fullbrook, England, The Melbourne Club, 20
- Lily Hirst, England, Huddersfield, 23
- Isla McDonald-O’Brien, England, Shrewsbury, 19
- Charlotte Naughton, England, Longhirst Hall, 18
- Nellie Ong, England, Eaton, 19
- Patience Rhodes, England, Burnham & Berrow, 22
- Davina Xanh, England, Burnham & Berrow, 22
Reserves
1. Annabel Peaford, England, Walton Heath, 17
2. Emma Fleming, Ireland, Elm Park, 21
Leave a comment