Lauren Walsh selected for Curtis Cup squad, Beth Coulter named as reserve

Kildare golfer Lauren Walsh has been included in the Great Britain and Ireland team for the 2022 Curtis Cup with Down's Beth Coulter being named as a non-travelling reserve for the event against USA in Pennsylvania in June.

It marks a memorable month for Walsh who played at the Augusta National Women's Amateur at the start of April where she was just one stroke outside a play-off to be involved in the final round.

Walsh earned 1.5 points in the 2021 edition, originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as the Americans earned a 12.5 to 7.5 win in Wales. She will be hoping for a different result at Merion Golf Club from 10-12 June.

English pair Emily Price and Amelia Williamson will make their debuts at the event.

The pair have been included in an eight-strong party along with world numbers 10 and 11 Hannah Darling and Caley McGinty as well as Louise Duncan, Annabell Fuller, Charlotte Heath and Walsh for the 42nd edition of the tournament.

Lottie Woad, like Coulter, has been named as non-travelling reserve as the British and Irish team attempts to deny the Americans a third successive victory after that triumph in Conwy in Wales last year.

Captain Elaine Ratcliffe said: "I would like to congratulate these eight players on their selection to the Great Britain and Ireland team.

"The Curtis Cup is one of the highlights of the amateur game and I know they will all put in their best performances at Merion.

"I am delighted to have six of the girls from last year back in the team for the 2022 match and I believe this gives us a strong base to build upon. The two new players to the team will strengthen that talent base and we very much look forward to an exciting match."

Additional reporting: PA