A Biennial Battle For Transatlantic Supremacy

The Curtis Cup: A History of the Prestigious Women's Golf Tournament

A Biennial Battle for Transatlantic Supremacy

The Curtis Cup is a biennial golf competition between teams of female amateur golfers from the United States and Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I).

First played in 1932, the tournament was the brainchild of Dr. Harriot Curtis, a prominent American golfer and administrator.

Origins and Evolution

Dr. Harriot Curtis' Vision

Dr. Curtis believed that a transatlantic competition would foster friendship and goodwill between the two nations and promote women's golf.

Inaugural Match

The inaugural Curtis Cup match was held at Wentworth Golf Club in England in 1932, with the United States team emerging victorious.

The tournament has been played every two years since then, with the exception of 1942-1945 due to World War II.

Tournament Format

• Teams of eight players from each country
• Three days of competition
• Eight four-ball matches on day one
• Eight foursomes matches on day two
• 16 singles matches on day three

The team with the most points after all three days is declared the winner.

GB&I's Dominance

GB&I has been the more successful team in the Curtis Cup, having won 30 of the 38 matches played.

Notable Players

Over the years, the Curtis Cup has featured some of the greatest female golfers in the world, including:

• Babe Zaharias
• Louise Suggs
• Patty Berg
• Mickey Wright
• Annika Sorenstam
• Lorena Ochoa
• Stacy Lewis

Legacy and Impact

The Curtis Cup has played a significant role in the development of women's golf.

It has inspired young girls to take up the game and has helped to raise the profile of women's golf around the world.