Curtis Cup 2021: what is golf competition, teams, scores, results at Conwy Golf Club - and how to watch on TV

The 41st Curtis Cup has begun with the best female amateur golfers going head to head in this historic team event which sees USA play Great Britain and Ireland.

In a similar format to the Ryder Cup, the Curtis Cup will see the top women's golfers from the respective nations join forces across three days of all action team golf.

The Americans arrived at the Conwy Golf Club in Wales as the defending champions after a crushing victory in 2018, but GB&I are looking for a third consecutive win on home soil.

Elaine Ratcliffe captains Great Britain and Ireland's eight member strong team, with Sarah LeBrun Ingram captaining USA's eight in a battle for the Curtis Cup 2021.

What is the Curtis Cup?

The Curtis Cup is widely recognised as the biggest team trophy for women amateur golfers.

Normally played every two years, and contested by teams representing the United States and Great Britain and Ireland, the 2020 instalment was delayed due to Covid.

The competition, scheduled for 26-28 August 2021 is organised by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (The R&A).

The first Curtis Cup was played in 1932 at the Wentworth Club in England. It was won by the American team on that occasion - the first of 29 wins for the USA from 40 meetings.

Great Britain and Ireland have won eight matches with the three remaining contests tied.

What is the Curtis Cup format?

Played over 18 holes, a variety of match play competitions is used to determine the overall winner with a point awarded to the winner of each hole or the point shared if tied.

There are a total of 20 points on offer with three foursomes and three fourball matches played on each of the first two days and eight singles matches on the third and final day.

A foursome match is a competition between two teams of two golfers. The golfers on the same team take alternate shots throughout the match with the same ball. Each hole is won by the team that completes the hole in the fewest shots.

A fourball match is a competition between two teams of two golfers. All four golfers play their own ball throughout the round. Each hole is won by the team whose individual golfer had the lowest score.

A singles match is a standard match play competition between two golfers.

Curtis Cup 2021 teams

Curtis Cup scores and results

This page will be updated with the latest results from Thursday's play.

How to watch Curtis Cup on TV?

All the action from three days of the Curtis Cup 2021 is available to watch for free via Sky Sports Golf's live YouTube stream.

Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the action live through its dedicated Golf channel from 7.30am on Thursday and Friday, with some coverage through the red button.

Saturday's action will be screened live on Sky Sports Mix, with coverage starting from 9.45am.