I always suspected the Curtis Cup week at Sunningdale would be memorable – and indeed, it was. It opened with a roar as I was chatting to one of the security guards at the gate of the club, getting the directions to our parking for the week.
“Don’t drive off! Don’t move! My chihuahua’s under your car!” Not words I’ve had shouted at me before, I must confess.
Patricia calmly slid the back window down and said, “Oh, hello Queenie! Patricia Davies, Mary McKenna and Maureen Madill. How are you?!”
Michael King, former Ryder Cup player and longstanding member of Sunningdale, couldn’t have been more surprised if you’d landed him on the moon. His expression was priceless as the thirty years, or however long it had been since we last saw him, disappeared into the ether. Also priceless was the sight of this Sunningdale legend down on all fours coaxing the recalcitrant canine out from under my wheels.
Welcome to Curtis Cup week.
What a fabulous show put on by all involved. From the governing bodies of the game, the R&A and the USGA, to the first class welcome afforded to us by all connected with Sunningdale golf club, it was a never-to-be-forgotten week.
For those of us who have been fortunate enough to play in the Curtis Cup there are two distinct and separate strands to the week, which, nevertheless, run alongside each other very comfortably indeed. Front and centre, of course, are the two current teams, one from Great Britain and Ireland and one from the United States, and the biennial contest to win the Curtis Cup.
The other strand (equally important to us) is the reunion with pals from both sides of the pond and detailed catch-ups and exchanging of news. New friendships are forged and it’s golf that cements them all even though some of us no longer play. In the past players’ match I was on caddying duty for Gill Stewart as she partnered fellow Scot Mo Richmond against the lovely Mary Hafeman whom I first met when we were on opposing sides in the match 44 years ago. Mary was playing with Noreen Mohler, a past player and captain whom I met for the first time. It was lovely to see Noreen had her 2010 team bag with her from her year of captaincy at Essex Country Club. And what a beautiful player she still is……a veritable joy to watch.

The past players’ match: from l-r, Mary Hafeman, Noreen Mohler, Gill Stewart, Sarah (Mary’s sister and caddy), Gill’s caddy and Mo Richmond.
That same day our group was behind Carol Semple Thompson, twelve times a player in the Curtis Cup and twice a captain. Once a competitor always a competitor, which Carol demonstrated by tutting at herself when she had a slightly wayward drive off the 10th tee. Down went the club on the turf to check her alignment – she absolutely was NOT going to make the same error again!
The years, of course, do change most of us – perhaps not in essence, but mostly in appearance. Not everyone, however.
Fiona Champness, nee Brown, originally from Cheshire, must have a portrait in the attic. She’s become a serious athlete, knocking off marathons for fun and looks as youthful now as she did a few decades ago. Having celebrated a significant birthday this year she told me she’d decided “to do something for myself”. Well, that “something” is the Haute Trail Hike Challenge, a 60-kilometre trek through the Alps with daily ascents and descents ranging from 2,500 to almost 8000 feet. She sets off next week and is raising money for a project in Morocco: “Rural Schools Rise From The Ground.” If you’d like to know more and perhaps help by donating a few bob, please copy the link below and paste it into your browser. I know Fi would appreciate it.
https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/51912/
Meanwhile, at the sharp end of things on the golf course the two teams were producing scintillating figures and mesmerising golf for the record crowds to enjoy. It was the first time since 2010 that every player contributed to her team’s points tally. The stars, points-wise, were Sara Byrne for GB&I and Rachel Kuehn for the USA – both unbeaten and now launched on professional careers.

The Kuehns, mother and daughter, Brenda and Rachel. Unbeaten at Sunningdale is a great launching pad for Rachel’s professional career. I’ll be watching this special player with interest. [Mary McKenna]
Catriona Matthew, another Stirling Uni graduate like McClymont, is making a habit of being a winning captain and leader of women. That’s two winning Solheims she’s captained and now a Curtis Cup team. She certainly has the Midas touch and each time has been ably assisted by her close friend and ally Kathryn Imrie. Karen Stupples, who won the Women’s Open at Sunningdale in 2004, was a further inspired choice to add to her backroom team and between them this trio had it all covered.

Catriona Matthew addressing the crowds at the presentation of the Curtis Cup. Once shy and reserved, she has grown into these high profile roles with an assuredness and confidence that is both catching and inspiring.
I always had a sneaking feeling that this particular event would be the highlight of my golfing year, regardless of the fact that I am fortunate enough to attend majors pretty much as and when I wish. Well, I was right. We topped it all off with an evening meal that Sunday for our own little travelling group when we chewed the fat and made plans to go our separate ways the following morning.
But……some of us had one further surprise in store. Two of our number left for the airport just after 8.00am. The rest of us were startled out of sleep by an ear-piercing and persistent noise. The fire alarm was flexing its muscles and out we all had to go in an assortment of clothing and nightwear until, much later, we were informed it was only a test!
The week was full of surprises from beginning to end.