Golf News: - Posted 17th October 1997

Curtis Cup squad starts training

Scot Alison Rose and England's Elaine Ratcliffe and Karen Stupples, all of whom featured in the Curtis Cup victory over America at Killarney last year, are in the 15-strong Britain and Ireland squad for training that starts at Celtic Manor on 28th - 30th November.

Former Solheim Cup captain Mickey Walker will again coach the squad, with assistance from sports psychologist Paul Darby and putting "guru" Harold Swash.

Britain and Ireland's women amateurs, who have won four and halved one of the last six matches, defend the Curtis Cup at Minikahda in Minneapolis next August.

Three of the squad - Laura Moffat, Rebecca Morgan and Eleanor Pilgrim - have already notified the Ladies' Golf Union that they will be unable to attend the training session because of university commitments in America.

Former professional Elaine Farquharson Black, who played in the 1990 and 1992 matches, is one of three reserves.

The squad named by the Ladies Golf Union is: F Brown (Heswall), S Fanagan (Milltown), R Hudson (Wheatley), A Laing (Heriot Watt University), L Moffat (West Kilbride), H Monaghan (Longniddry), R Morgan (Monmouth), L Nicholson (Heriot Watt University), E Pilgrim (Celtic Manor), ER Power (Kilkenny), E Ratcliffe (Sandiway), A Rose (Stirling), K Rostrom (Clitheroe), K Smith (Waterlooville), K Stupples (Royal Cinque Ports). Reserves: E Farquharson Black (Deeside), E Dowdall (Wexford), V Laing (Musselburgh).