Catriona Matthew, fondly known as “Beany,” is the current Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup skipper, marking her third captaincy role after leading two successful European teams in the Solheim Cup. As the first professional to take on this position in the Curtis Cup matches, Matthew is eyeing a hat-trick victory over American teams on both sides of the amateur and professional divide. This new role has presented her with fresh challenges, particularly in getting to know the players on the GB&I squad, as they are less familiar to her compared to the Solheim Cup participants.
To bridge this familiarity gap, Matthew and her assistant Kathryn Imrie organized a bonding weekend for the eight-strong squad at Sunningdale Golf Club. The goal was to establish trust and comfort between the players and the captain, as well as to familiarize them with new match formats like four-ball matches. The players were encouraged to think strategically and assess various game scenarios during their practice sessions. This hands-on approach was complemented by advice from local golf legends like Sam Torrance and unconventional team-building activities at the nearby “GoApe” adventure playground.
Imrie highlighted the players’ respect for Matthew, which will likely motivate them to perform well for their captain, team, and themselves during the upcoming Curtis Cup matches. Despite the historical dominance of the United States team, GB&I players are optimistic about their chances, especially with the presence of World No. 1 Lottie Woad in their lineup. Matthew views Woad as a potential inspiration for her teammates, showing them that they can compete and succeed against highly ranked opponents. This belief in individual talent and team unity will be crucial in facing a formidable American side in the upcoming matches.
While the odds may favor the U.S. team, Matthew remains confident in her squad’s abilities and sees each player as capable of challenging their American counterparts on the golf course. With only one player on the GB&I team having past Curtis Cup experience, the captain believes that the collective talent and determination of her players will be key to achieving success in the matches. The focus is on teamwork and strategy, with the ultimate goal of securing a notable victory over the favored American team. As competition approaches, the players are prepared to showcase their skills and determination under Matthew’s leadership in pursuit of a historic Curtis Cup triumph.
