GB&I Assembles a Powerful Squad for the 2022 Curtis Cup
The prestigious Curtis Cup, a biennial match pitting Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) against the USA, is set to take place at the historic Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania this June. GB&I Captain Elaine Ratcliffe has unveiled a formidable 12-player squad, aiming to reclaim the trophy after a 12-8 defeat in the previous match held at Conwy in 2020.
This year’s squad boasts a blend of experience and fresh talent. Five players from the 2020 team, including Annabell Fuller, who is vying for her third Curtis Cup appearance, are returning to the fold. Joining them are notable names like Hannah Darling, the reigning R&A Women’s Amateur Champion, and Louise Duncan, the 2021 Women’s Amateur Champion.
Adding to the excitement are promising newcomers like Lottie Woad, who dominated the English Girls’ and Women’s Order of merit last year, and Beth Coulter, the rising star from Northern Ireland. Emily Price, the 2020 English Women’s Amateur Champion, also has her sights set on a debut appearance.
Ratcliffe expressed confidence in the squad’s potential, stating, “We have assembled a remarkably talented group of players. We will closely monitor their performance in the coming months to select the strongest possible team for Merion. Despite the outcome in Conwy, the team displayed encouraging signs, and with several returning players, we have a solid foundation to build upon as we prepare for the June showdown.”
The final team composition will be determined by a combination of automatic selections and captain’s picks. the top two GB&I players in the world amateur golf rankings as of April 21st will secure automatic spots. The remaining six players will be announced on April 26th, creating anticipation and excitement among golf enthusiasts worldwide.
The 2022 GB&I Curtis Cup Squad:
Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay,England)
Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle,Ireland)
Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe,Scotland)
Louise Duncan (West Kilbride,Scotland)
Anna Foster (Elm Park,Ireland)
Annabell Fuller (Roehampton,England)
Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield,England)
Caley McGinty (Knowle,england)
Emily Price (Ludlow,England)
Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden,Ireland)
Amelia Williamson (Huntstanton,England)
Lottie Woad (Farnham,England)
Curtis Cup Countdown: Sizing Up GB&I’s Chances with Dame laura Davies
The countdown to the 2022 Curtis Cup is well underway, and anticipation is building as Great Britain and Ireland prepare to challenge the reigning champions, the USA. Joining us today to dissect the GB&I squad declaration and offer her expert analysis is none other than Dame Laura Davies, a golfing legend and four-time Curtis Cup player herself! Dame Laura, welcome to the show!
Dame laura: It’s an absolute pleasure to be here. The Curtis Cup is such a special event, and I’m always eager to see how the young talent stacks up against the Americans.
This year’s GB&I squad is a fascinating blend of youth and experience. What are your initial thoughts on the team composition?
Dame Laura: Elaine Ratcliffe has done a fantastic job assembling a strong squad. It’s great to see returning players like Annabell Fuller, Hannah Darling, and Louise Duncan bring their experience to the table. These are players who have already tasted the pressure of the Curtis Cup and can provide valuable guidance to the newcomers.
Speaking of newcomers, there are some exciting names waiting to make their mark. Lottie Woad, Beth Coulter, and Emily Price are all talented individuals on the rise.Do you think they have what it takes to shine on the big stage?
Dame Laura: Absolutely! These young women have been tearing up the amateur circuit, and they’re brimming with confidence. A tournament like the Curtis Cup can be a real stepping stone, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or more of them emerge as stars.
The Americans are always a tough opponent, and they’re coming in as the defending champions. How do you see the GB&I team stacking up against them?
Dame Laura: It’s going to be a tight contest, there’s no doubt about it. The Americans have incredible depth, but GB&I has closed the gap in recent years. If they can play with the same grit and determination they showed at Conwy in 2020, they have every chance of reclaiming the trophy.
The final team composition will be finalized on April 26th. Are there any players you’re particularly hoping to see make the cut?
Dame Laura: It’s tough to single out specific individuals, as I believe the team Elaine has assembled is incredibly strong.However,I’d love to see players like Caley McGinty and Lauren Walsh get their prospect.They’ve both shown immense promise, and I think they’d thrive in the Curtis Cup surroundings.
What advice would you give these young women as they prepare to represent GB&I on the biggest stage?
Dame Laura: My advice would be to embrace the challenge and enjoy the experience. The Curtis Cup is a unique and incredibly special event. Don’t be afraid to show your personality on the course, play aggressively, and moast importantly, have fun!
Thank you so much for your insightful thoughts, Dame Laura. I think I speak for all golf fans when I say we’re eagerly anticipating the 2022 Curtis Cup. what are your predictions for the outcome?
Dame Laura: I’m predicting a thrilling battle! It’s going to come down to the wire, but I have a feeling GB&I will pull off an upset and bring the Curtis Cup back home.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the GB&I squad? Who are you most excited to see compete at Merion? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
