Familiar Faces on Hand at Formby

 

Merseyside, England - Several past USA Curtis Cuppers have traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to lend their support to the 2004 team. Among those present are past USGA President and two-time (1960, 1962) Curtis Cupper Judy Bell, as well as Carol Semple Thompson, who represented the USA at a record 12 Curtis Cups. In her most recent appearance, at the 2002 Match at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, Pa., she drained a long birdie putt on the 18 th hole to win her match and secure the Cup for the Americans. Mary Budke, the captain of that squad two years ago, is another past player (1974) at Formby.

 

Also here is Jane Booth, a three-time Curtis Cupper who roomed with 2004 USA Captain Martha Kirouac for a year at Odessa ( Texas ) Junior College. The two were teammates at the 1970 and 1972 Matches. Booth also played in the 1974 Match and her daughter Kellee, who is also at Formby this week, played on the 1996 and 1998 teams.

 

"Many of them are colleagues of mine, and I'm delighted to have them here," said Kirouac. "It's a great way to give our current players a way to connect to the past, by showing them what it means to those that have played before them, and why those players come back to support the Match."

 

Also at Formby are Miriam Bailey Leeke (1958), Martha Lang (1992), Leslie Shannon Stewart (1986, 1988, 1992) and Robin Weiss Donnelly (1990, 1992, 2000).

 

This year's Curtis Cup squad appreciates their presence, particularly considering no one has prior experience in the Match.

 

"It's extremely supportive to have them here," said Sarah Huarte, 22, of Shingle Springs, Calif. "I've had several conversations with Carol, and she's had great advice about this experience and what to expect."

 

 

Players Finally Encounter Winds

 

The USA team members expected to face windy, chilly conditions when they arrived at Formby Golf Club but instead were met with calm, sunny conditions throughout the week. They got a taste of some more normal local weather Friday when winds reached at least 20 miles per hour.

 

Ada O'Sullivan, the Great Britain & Ireland captain, believes her team holds the advantage should the wind remain, given that her players are accustomed to playing links-style golf in such conditions.

 

"It will be a huge factor for us," O'Sullivan said. "We want it to be windy; we don't want it to be calm."

 

At least one American player welcomes the wind.

 

"The team really does hit it a long way and we have knock-down shots," said Liz Janangelo, 20, of West Hartford, Conn. "Hopefully, the wind will pick up and make for some interesting golf and for some fun shots out there."

 

Janangelo may get her wish. The wind continued to blow and rain started to fall during Friday's opening ceremonies, and Saturday's conditions may be similar to Friday's.