What Is The Curtis Cup In Women’s Golf?

Over the past 92 years, the Curtis Cup, which is co-organised by the United States Golf Association and The R&A, has grown into arguably the most prestigious event for women's amateur golf. 

Renowned female golfers such as Dame Laura Davies, Catriona Matthew, Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson, Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Leona Maguire and Rose Zhang, previously competed in Curtis Cups, gaining valuable knowledge and experience before stepping into the professional ranks.

What Is The Curtis Cup?

The Curtis Cup is the namesake of sisters Harriet and Margaret Curtis, two prominent American amateur golfers from the early 20th century, who aimed to foster international friendships in women's golf. They generously donated a silver bowl trophy for a match between players representing the USA and GB, with the inscription "To stimulate friendly rivalry among the women golfers of many lands."

Originally limited to USA and GB amateur golfers, the Curtis Cup expanded in 1958 to include players from Ireland. The inaugural match took place in 1932 at Wentworth Golf Club, where the American team emerged victorious and has since dominated the competition. Of the 42 contests, USA have won 31 matches, GB&I have won 8, and just three matches have ended in a tie. 

What Is The Format?

The Curtis Cup follows a three-day format, featuring 8 players. The first two days consist of three foursomes and three fourball matches each day, while the final day includes eight singles matches, totalling 20 points at stake. Like the Solheim Cup, a point is awarded for a match win and half a point for a tied match after 18 holes. In the event of an overall tie, the current holder retains the cup.

Standout Matches

In the modern era there have been some thrilling encounters with matches going down to the wire such as the one at Formby Golf Club in 2004 when the US narrowly defeated GB&I 10 - 8.

At the 2010 Curtis Cup at Essex County Club in the United States, the US team trailed after the first day but rallied in the singles to secure a dramatic comeback victory 12.5 - 7.5.

It was a historic win for GB&I at Nairn Golf Club, Scotland in 2012, defeating the US 10.5 - 9.5 for the first time since 1996.

Curtis Cup Results 2004-2022

When And Where Is The Next Curtis Cup?

The upcoming 43rd edition of the Curtis Cup will take place at the esteemed Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire from 30 August to 1 September 2024.