| The United States won the 17th International
Match for the Curtis Cup, 10 to 8, at the Western Gailes Golf
Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, for its 13th victory in the series
that began in 1932. The two- point margin of victory was the
narrowest since 1958, when the Teams played to a tie. Great
Britain and Ireland last won in 1956. The British Isles led,
2 to 1, after the first morning's foursomes, but in the afternoon's
singles the United States won four matches, lost only one and
halved one, a classic match between the Women's Champions of
the United States and Great Britain. Miss Laura Baugh, the U.S.
Champion, was constantly outdriven by Miss Michelle Walker,
the British Champion, and she was two down after 10 holes. She
squared the match on the 15th, where Miss Walker was bunkered,
and the match ended even. Both shot 75.
The United States Team took a 7 to 5 lead after the foursomes
on the final day. The pivotal match was between the American
team of Miss Beth Barry and Miss Hollis Stacy and the British
pair of Mrs. I.C. Robertson and Mrs. Diane Frearson. Miss
Barry and Miss Stacy were four down with only six to play,
but they salvaged a half and preserved the two- point lead.
The British team then rallied in the afternoon singles as
Miss Walker, Miss Mary McKenna, and Miss Mary Everard all
won their matches. To that point, only Laura Baugh had been
able to score a point for the United States. With two matches
left to be played, the Teams were even, 8 to 8. Miss Lancy
Smith, a doubtful starter because of illness, then defeated
Mrs. Diane Frearson, 3 and 2, to ensure a tie, and then Miss
Barry defeated Miss Kathryn Phillips, also by 3 and 2, to
win the victory for the United States.
Miss Walker won 3 ½ of four points and was the only undefeated
player on either side. Miss Baugh and Miss Barry led the Americans
in points scored with 2 ½ each. Miss Barbara McIntire, who
first was a member of the United States Team in 1958, played
in her sixth International Match for the Curtis Cup and scored
two points. Mrs. Jean Ashley Crawford, a member of the United
States Team in 1962-66-68, was non- playing Captain. Mrs.
Frances Stephens Smith, who played on the Great Britain and
Ireland Team from 1950 through 1960, was the non- playing
Captain for the British Isles.
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