ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Great Britain and Ireland secured a historic victory over the Continent of Europe in the Vagliano Trophy, claiming their first win in the biennial women’s amateur golf competition since 2005.
The GB&I team, captained by Elaine Ratcliffe, triumphed 14.5-10.5 at Royal Hague Golf & Country Club, ending an 18-year drought in the prestigious event. The victory was sealed with a dominant performance in Sunday’s singles matches, where the team won six of the eight contests.
A Hard-Fought Battle
The competition, which began in 1931, pits the best amateur female golfers from Great Britain and Ireland against a team representing the Continent of Europe. This year’s edition saw fierce competition, with Europe taking an early lead after the opening foursomes. However, GB&I fought back in the afternoon fourballs to level the score at 3-3 on the first day.
Ratcliffe praised her team’s resilience, stating, "The girls showed incredible determination. After the first session, we knew we had to dig deep, and they responded brilliantly."
Key Performances
Several players stood out for GB&I, including Scotland’s Hannah Darling, who remained unbeaten across all her matches. The 20-year-old, a two-time Curtis Cup player, delivered crucial points in both foursomes and singles.
Other standout performers included:
- Annabell Fuller (England), who secured the winning point in her singles match
- Lottie Woad (England), who dominated her singles match 5&4
- Beth Coulter (Ireland), who contributed crucial wins in the fourballs
Europe’s Strong Start Fades
The European team, led by captain Suzanna Pettersen, had initially looked strong, with Spain’s Cayetana Fernández García-Poggio and Sweden’s Meja Örtengren delivering early wins. However, their momentum faltered in the singles, where GB&I’s depth proved decisive.
Pettersen acknowledged the challenge, saying, "We started well, but GB&I were relentless. They played with great heart and deserved the win."
Historic Significance
The victory marks only the third time in the last 30 years that GB&I have lifted the Vagliano Trophy. The last win came in 2005 at Ballybunion, with a team that included future Solheim Cup stars Mel Reid and Breanne Loucks.
This year’s triumph is seen as a major boost for women’s amateur golf in the region, with Ratcliffe adding, "This team has set a new standard. The belief and camaraderie were exceptional."
Looking Ahead
The win sets the stage for next year’s Curtis Cup, where many of the GB&I players will hope to feature. The Vagliano Trophy has often served as a stepping stone for future stars, with past participants including major champions Anna Nordqvist and Georgia Hall.
Darling, reflecting on the victory, said, "This is a moment we’ll never forget. To win for GB&I after so long is special, and it gives us great confidence moving forward."
The next edition of the Vagliano Trophy will take place in 2025, with GB&I aiming to defend their title on home soil. The venue is yet to be confirmed, but early speculation suggests it could return to Scotland or Ireland.
For now, the team will celebrate a hard-earned victory, one that has reignited pride in GB&I amateur golf. As Ratcliffe put it, "This is just the beginning. The future looks bright."
