Italy
The Continent of Europe claimed its sixth consecutive win in the Vagliano Trophy with a 15-9 victory against Great Britain and Ireland at Bogogno Golf Resort, Italy, on 1 July.
After both sessions on day one were halved, leaving the score at 6-6, the Continent of Europe won all four morning foursomes matches on the second day to establish a commanding 10-6 lead going into the final session.
Sophie Lamb, the 2016 Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Champion, defeated Linnea Strom 3&2 in the first afternoon singles match to reduce the visitors’ deficit to 3 points.
Shortly after, however, Virginia Elena Carta defeated the world number one ranked player, Leona Maguire, by one hole, leaving the Continent of Europe requiring just one point to retain the trophy they won at Malone Golf Club in 2015.
The 2016 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Champion, Julia Engstrom, defeated Alice Hewson by one hole to secure the decisive point. The Continent of Europe then secured outright victory, when Puk Lyng Thomsen completed a 3&2 victory over Annabel Wilson.
Dewi Weber and Albane Valenzuela, the only player undefeated in all four matches, also won their singles matches, leaving the final score at 15-9. The Continent of Europe team was captained by Italian Anna Roscio, who said “I never played in a winning Continent of Europe team in the Vagliano Trophy so this is a great feeling for me to make it as the captain!” following their victory.
In the Junior Vagliano Trophy match, Isabella Holpfer, Austria, and Amanda Linner, Sweden, both won all four of their matches to help the Continent of Europe to a 15-3 victory. This marks the Continent of Europe’s fourth success since the inauguration of the junior match in 2011.
The 2019 Vagliano and Junior Vagliano Trophy matches will be held at Royal St. George’s on 28 and 29 June.
