KIRKISTOWN Castle’s Beth Coulter played her part as the Great Britain & Ireland team secured a thrilling Curtis Cup victory over the USA at Sunningdale, marking a first win in this event since 2016.
Ireland were represented by Beth, Sara Byrne (Douglas) and Áine Donegan (Lahinch).
Byrne went unbeaten and claimed 3.5 points, while both Coulter and Donegan holed crucial putts over the course of the week, to help Catriona Matthew’s side make history.
“This dramatic Curtis Cup victory for the Great Britain and Ireland team is an outstanding achievement,” said Golf Ireland CEO, Mark Kennelly.
“Great credit is due to all eight players and their captain Catriona Matthew. Golf Ireland is particularly proud of the performances of the three players from our Women’s Squad, Sara Byrne, Beth Coulter, and Áine Donegan – all of whom made huge contributions to this great success.
“We hope Sara, Beth, and Áine will continue to inspire the next generation of Irish girls to follow in their footsteps.”
The Irish trio were also recently involved in a famous Home Internationals win at Murchar Links in Scotland, and next on the horizon for Byrne will be the professional ranks where she has qualified for the next stage of LPGA Q-School. Byrne was one of the stars of the week and she formed a formidable partnership with England’s Lottie Woad.
The Irish contingent had contributed to six points before the concluding singles matches and despite losses for Donegan and Coulter, Byrne’s 3&2 win over Catherine Park was huge, before Mimi Rhodes sealed the vital half point and victory for Great Britain & Ireland on a 10.5 to 9.5 scoreline.
Beth (left) joins Cup winning celebrations