Beth Coulter and Isla McDonald-O’Brien won the last four holes of their foursomes match to take down world number one Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley but Great Britain and Ireland have it all to do as they trail USA 4-2 after day one of the Curtis Cup.
Coulter and McDonald-O’Brien sat out the morning four ball session at Bel Air Country Club and that freshness paid dividends as the American pair fatigued late on and GB&I pinched the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th with pars to go from 1 down to 3&2 victors.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Coulter who was very impressive in her second Curtis Cup appearance. “Obviously seeing that draw after lunch, we were like, okay, we can do this. We didn’t play this morning. I kept saying to Isla in the round, we’re not tired. We’re not tired.
“I think coming down those last few holes, I think pars are going to win holes. I think we showed that today. To take down those two is pretty cool. I think that’s what match play is, and that’s what GB&I can do. Our camaraderie and our closeness, we can do those kinds of things, and that’s what’s really special with this team.”
GB&I trailed their hosts by the minimum after the four balls (1-2) with Sophia Fullbrook and Patience Rhodes picking up a point for the visitors. In the afternoon Fullbrook and Rhodes were beaten 3&2 by Farah O’Keefe and Avery Weed while Anna Davis and Kelly Zu eased to a 4&3 win over Charlotte Naughton and Nellie Ong.
Coulter though, feels that GB&I are in a good place ahead of today’s four ball session which she will lead the team in the top match with McDonald-O’Brien against Jasmine Koo and O’Keefe.
“I think probably just staying patient and trusting Catriona. Catriona has it all worked out. She’s unbelievable what she does. The team that she has behind us, she has it all worked out. We just have to follow her plan, and as long as we do that and have fun, we’re going to be okay.
“I think keeping the energy up and carrying a bit of momentum into tomorrow is going to be important. Just keep having fun. The more fun you have, the easier it is.
“It’s been so fun this week, and especially away from home, it’s soaking up the crowds.”
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