What Is The Curtis Cup In Women’s Golf?

The Curtis Cup is regarded as the most prestigious team trophy in female amateur golf, so here’s what you need to know about the biennial match

US Curtis Cup team 2022
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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. 

Stacy Lewis Curtis Cup

USA's Stacy Lewis, who holed the match winning putt at the 2008 Curtis Cup, poses with the trophy 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Charley Hull Curtis Cup 2012

Charley Hull, a member of the GB&I Curtis Cup team in 2012  

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Curtis Cup Results 2004-2022

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YearVenueWinning Team Score
2022Merion Golf Club, PennsylvaniaUnited States 15.5 - 4.5
2021Conwy Golf Club, WalesUnited States12.5 - 7.5
2018Quaker Ridge Golf Club, New YorkUnited States17 - 3
2016Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, IrelandGB&I11.5 - 8.5
2014St Louis Country Club, MissouriUnited States13 - 7
2012Nairn Golf Club, ScotlandGB&I10.5 - 9.5
2010Essex County Club, MassachusettsUnited States12.5 - 7.5
2008St Andrews Links, ScotlandUnited States13 - 7
2006Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, OregonUnited States11.5 - 6.5
2004Formby Golf Club, EnglandUnited States10 - 8

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.

Alison Root

Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media and events, predominantly dedicated to golf, in particular the women’s game. Until 2020, for over a decade Alison edited Women & Golf magazine and website, and in addition to writing, overseeing all content and developing industry relationships, she was the go-to voice for TV and radio to comment on breaking women’s golf stories. Alison is also the Editorial Director of Glorious, the new digital platform devoted to elevating women’s sport and that includes golf! She is a 14-handicap golfer (should be better) and despite having had the fantastic opportunity to play some of the best golf courses around the world, Kingsbarns in Scotland is her favourite.