Curtis Cup: Great Britain and Ireland beat USA in thrilling match at Sunningdale

Great Britain and Ireland won the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016 with a thrilling 10½-9½ victory over the United States at Sunningdale.

It was the ninth victory for GB&I, led by two-time Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew, in the 43rd edition of the amateur event.

The home team led 7-5 in the eight singles matches on Sunday, but at one point trailed in six matches.

However, Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes and Lorna McClymont all won to put GB&I on 10 points, but they still needed a half to regain the trophy.

Mimi Rhodes made a par on the 17th and remained one point ahead with one stroke to go. She lost the 18th, but the halved game was enough to secure the win.

Rhodes trailed by three holes on the eighth tee, but won four of the next seven holes to take a one-hole lead.

Lottie Woad, the world number one amateur, suffered her first defeat in five matches. In the top match she was defeated 3-2 by 15-year-old American Asterisk Talley.

Anna Davis, Jasmine Koo and Rachel Kuehn also claimed victories over Hannah Darling, Beth Coulter and Aine Donegan respectively.

“It’s in a class of its own, winning the Solheim Cup (as captain) and playing in it. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Matthew, who also won the Curtis Cup as a player.

“The future of women’s golf is in good hands when you see both teams. It was a great match, you love it when these are close.

“That’s what makes it so exciting for all the fans and it’s just nice to get the win.”