Naomi Edwards, Breanne Loucks and Melissa Reid, three players from the 2006 Curtis Cup, form the nucleus of the Great Britain team to compete in the Commonwealth Tournament from 7-11 May in South Africa. The remaining two places are taken by 2002 Curtis Cup player Kerry Smith and 18-year-old Krystle Caithness.
Canadian born Loucks, now living in and representing Wales, was the most successful player in the Curtis Cup match against the United States last year at Bandon Dunes, winning all three of her matches. In one of these, the second day foursomes, she partnered Melissa Reid in recording a 7/5 win, the biggest winning margin of the two day contest.
Reid had a highly successful 2006 in which she won the Scottish Stroke Play title, realising the potential she had shown in winning the English Girls’ title in both 2004 and 2005.
Yorkshire’s Naomi Edwards first came to national attention in 2003 with a place in the final of the English Match Play Championship. That was followed, in 2005, with wins in the English Mid-Amateur and the Scottish Stroke Play and last year with a title-winning performance in the Welsh Stroke Play.
At 35 years of age, Kerry Smith is by far the most experienced player in the side and has played international representative golf for England since 1997. A relative latecomer into golf at 15, she played in the 2002 Curtis Cup, was English Champion in 2004 and headed the English Order of Merit that year and also in 2006.
Krystle Caithness, 18, already has an impressive list of golfing achievements with wins in the Scottish Under-16, Under-18 and 21 Championships. Last year, over the Old Course, St Andrews, against a truly international field, Krystle won the St Rule Trophy.
Sue Turner, Captain of the Great Britain side said: "We have selected a relatively young team but one which already has extensive experience of competing at the highest international level."
"I have no doubt therefore, that with the steadying influence of Kerry Smith, one of the country’s most experienced players, we have a real chance of winning the Commonwealth Tournament."
TEAM
Krystle Caithness, 18, St Regulus
Naomi Edwards, 23, Ganton
Breanne Loucks, 19, Wrexham
Melissa Reid, 19, Chevin
Kerry Smith, 35, Waterlooville
RESERVES
1. Sahra Hassan, Vale of Glamorgan
2. Florentyna Parker, Gut Waldhof
3. Sally Watson, Elie & Earlsferry
CAPTAIN
Sue Turner
COACH
Lawrence Farmer
Further information:
Susan Simpson, Director of Championships, Ladies’ Golf Union, Tel: 01334 475811
Sue Turner, Captain, Commonwealth Tournament, Tel: 07843 063423
Notes to Editors:
1. The Commonwealth Tournament is competed for every four years by Great Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.
2. It was first played in 1959 for the Commonwealth Trophy, presented by Nancy, Viscountess Astor CH and the LGU.
3. In the 12 contests to date, Great Britain have won six, Australia four and Canada two.
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