Record Curtis Cup win for USA
GB&I player Olivia Mehaffey hugs USA team Captain Virginia Derby Grimes before the start of the singles matches of the 2018 Curtis Cup at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, N.Y. on Sunday, June 10, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
The United States defeated Great Britain and Ireland by a record-breaking 17-3 scoreline to win the 40th Curtis Cup match at Quaker Ridge, New York.
The United States' points total is the highest recorded by any team in the Curtis Cup since they defeated GB&I 14½-3½ at Denver Country Club in 1982. The winning margin of fourteen points also surpassed the record of eleven points set in that same match.
The hosts held a 9-3 lead over GB&I going into today’s singles matches following the six foursomes matches and six fourballs matches played over the first two days.
Olivia Mehaffey playing her tee shot to start the singles matches of the 2018 Curtis Cup at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, N.Y. on Sunday, June 10, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
Sophia Schubert extended the lead for the home side to 10-3 after beating the outstanding Olivia Mehaffey 2&1 in the first match.
Moments later, Kristen Gillman secured the vital point which clinched the Curtis Cup for the United States after a comprehensive 5&4 win over Annabell Fuller gave them an unassailable 11-3 lead.
In doing so, Gillman became only the third player after Stacey Lewis (2008) and Bronte Law (2016) to go 5-0-0 in a single Curtis Cup match since the new three-day format was introduced.
Lucy Li, who is just 15, added a 5&4 victory against India Clyburn before Jennifer Kupcho’s 2&1 success over Lily May Humphreys made it 13-3 to the United States.
Paula Grant watching her second shot at the fourth hole during Afternoon Foursome Matches at the 2018 Curtis Cup at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, N.Y. on Saturday, June 9, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
A long-range birdie from the world's leading woman amateur golfer Lilia Vu made sure of a win against Sophie Lamb by two holes. Andrea Lee closed her match out against Alice Hewson on the 17thhole to win 2&1 and give her side a 15-3 lead.
Lauren Stephenson sealed her match against Shannon McWilliam in style with a fantastic birdie putt which dropped from around 12 feet to give the 20-year-old a 2&1 victory.
Mariel Galdiano defeated Paula Grant, who also showed moments of sheer class, by one hole in the last match out on the course to give the United States a 17-3 win.
The United States now lead the overall series 29-8-3.
The 41st Curtis Cup match will be played at Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club in Wales from 12-14 June 2020.
Elaine Farquharson-Black, Captain, Great Britain and Ireland
“We’re obviously very disappointed with the scoreline and all you can do is congratulate the United States on their win and the very high standard of golf they have played this week.
“We have played good golf in spells, particularly on the first day, but at this level you have to have more consistency and at times we’ve just not performed as well as we would have liked.
“We have a very young team and the players will have learned lots from this experience which will stand them in good stead for the future. They have given it their all this in this match and I’m very proud of them.”
Virginia Derby Grimes, Captain, United States
“It’s a great feeling and of course I've never been on a losing side. It's good to see the team get to experience that winning feeling.
“Last night we just talked a little bit and I just told them to enjoy the moment and be patient on the greens. The whole week has been phenomenal and I can't say any one moment has stood out. There have been so many great moments.”
