Simply Sensational!

Congratulations to the GB&I team, beating the USA 10.5-9.5 in the Curtis Cup last weekend at Sunningdale Golf Club. Incredible golf was played by the players on both teams and, as we’ve come to expect in Solheim Cup matches, it went down to the wire. Captain Catriona did it again! After famously leading Europe to back-to-back Solheim Cup victories in 2019 and 2021, she led the GB&I side to their first Curtis Cup triumph since 2016.

It’s fabulous to see these young players, many of whom will no doubt go on to forge successful professional careers. We're already familiar with the new English star in the making, Lottie Woad, who just the week before won the Smyth Salver as the leading amateur at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews and earlier in the year won the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Woad was ready to shine again, but there’s no ‘I’ in team and as I watched on TV the completion of the afternoon fourballs on Saturday, when GB&I snuck into a 7-5 lead heading into the Sunday singles, it was fantastic to see the way the pairings gelled and they were having the time of their lives in front of record crowds.

Ireland’s Sarah Byrne stood out for me, not just because she was undefeated throughout the tournament, but I love her feisty attitude and the way she celebrates the good shots. She reminds me of England’s Bronte Law, the same blonde hair and with the same grit and determination that Bronte demonstrated at the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in 2019.

I must admit, I was really disappointed not to be around to watch the singles, it must have been edge-of-the seat viewing, but I had more important things to do! It was the 30th anniversary outing of the society formed by a group of friends from West Essex Golf Club. This year we headed to Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire for an excellent value Sunday overnighter, including two rounds of golf, dinner, b&b. 

Since I last visited this resort it has been refurbished and I highly recommend it for any groups looking for an away-day or short break, as everything is easily accessible, the course is enjoyable, helpful staff and good food - what more do you want? As you would expect from the name, there’s a lot of water on the course and I now need to restock my golf bag with balls! 

One thing I did notice was the significant number of women at the resort, there were at least three other groups in addition to ours, so if ever proof was needed that women golfers like to travel, it was here. As I’ve mentioned before, this is one of the best things about being involved in a sport, where you can enjoy the game with like-minded people and most importantly, have a lot of fun. We certainly have over the last 30 years! 

Alison Root 

Women's Editor Golf Monthly 

Chip and Chat Editor