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Meet the rising stars invited to Team USA’s Curtis Cup camp.
The road to the 2026 Curtis Cup officially begins this January in Los Angeles.
The USGA announced that 12 of the nation’s top amateurs have accepted invitations to the USA Curtis Cup Practice Session, set for Jan. 16–18, 2026, at Bel-Air Country Club, the host site of next year’s Match. The session marks the first major step in shaping the eight-player roster that will represent the United States next June.
Leading this year’s group is World No. 1 Kiara Romero, the 2025 McCormack Medal winner and the only player already guaranteed a place on the 2026 team.
First played in 1932, the Curtis Cup is one of the most prestigious events in women’s amateur golf — a biennial team match pitting the United States against Great Britain & Ireland. The format mirrors the spirit of the Ryder Cup: three days of foursomes, four-ball, and singles matches, with 20 total points at stake.
Named in honor of sisters Harriot and Margaret Curtis, influential early champions of the women’s game, the Match promotes international friendship and competitive excellence. For many amateurs, the Curtis Cup represents a career pinnacle — and often serves as a stepping stone to LPGA success. While the U.S. leads the all-time series, recent contests have been tight, reflecting the growing strength of women’s amateur golf worldwide.
Romero, 19, delivered one of the most dominant freshman seasons in Oregon history:
Her McCormack Medal win gives her an automatic berth on the 2026 USA Curtis Cup Team, making her the first locked-in squad member before formal selections begin.
Below are the 12 players invited to January’s practice session, each bringing impressive credentials and a trajectory that has placed them squarely on the USGA’s radar.
The 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion continues to be one of the most polished young players in the college game. Known for her calm competitive demeanor, Davis has stacked strong finishes at both the collegiate and elite amateur levels.
A steady, high-floor performer for the Buckeyes, Hollenbaugh has built a reputation as one of the most consistent ball strikers in the Big Ten. Her rise has accelerated over the last 18 months thanks to multiple top finishes in national amateur events.
One of the brightest young stars in American amateur golf, Koo delivered a standout performance at the 2024 Curtis Cup with a 2–1–1 record. She brings a powerful, modern game and already owns several marquee junior and amateur titles.
Long known for her prodigious distance, Kovelesky has made significant strides in rounding out her game since joining Wake Forest. Her combination of power and scoring ability makes her one of the highest-upside players in the entire group.
Fresh off helping the United States win gold at the 2024 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship, O’Keefe has emerged as a reliable force for Texas. Her disciplined, repeatable game has translated into consistent success against elite competition.
A key contributor for the Demon Deacons, Pate has quietly built a résumé full of high finishes in major collegiate fields. She’s known for sharp iron play and a composed presence in pressure situations.
A member of the 2024 Curtis Cup Team and part of the winning USA squad at the 2024 WATC, Park brings extensive experience in international team competitions. Her polished all-around game and big-event track record make her one of the session’s most tested players.
The 2025 McCormack Medal winner and current World No. 1 amateur, Romero has compiled one of the most impressive freshman seasons in recent NCAA history. With two collegiate wins and a school scoring record, she is already locked into the 2026 Curtis Cup Team.
A steady presence in Duke’s lineup, Smith has delivered consistent results in ACC play and national amateur events. Known for her precision off the tee and disciplined course management, she has risen steadily up the amateur rankings.
One of the most gifted young talents in the world, Talley starred in the 2024 Curtis Cup at just 15 years old, going 2–1–1. Her blend of poise, competitive fire, and elite ball-striking makes her a generational prospect.
The first woman ever to win the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National, Xu has since developed into a key player for Stanford. Her strong collegiate play and elite short game continue to elevate her standing among top amateurs.
A rising force in the SEC, Weed has posted multiple strong performances for Mississippi State while emerging as one of the conference’s most improved players. Her athleticism and consistent scoring ability make her a compelling candidate for team consideration.
The practice squad includes four members of the 2024 USA Curtis Cup Team, which narrowly fell to Great Britain & Ireland, 10.5–9.5, at Sunningdale Golf Club:
Talley — who amazed the golf world in 2024 competing at just 15 years old — posted a 2–1–1 record, including a singles win over then–World No. 1 Lottie Woad. Koo matched that mark with a 2–1–1 performance of her own.
Park and O’Keefe arrive with extra momentum after helping the United States capture gold at the 2024 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship in Singapore.
USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer emphasized the importance of the practice session:
“Being invited to a Curtis Cup practice session is a significant milestone in any player’s career… Each of them has distinguished herself through performance, work ethic and a deep love for the game.”
The session will focus on team-building, match-play strategy, course study at Bel-Air, and evaluation as the USGA begins the formal selection process for 2026.
Meghan Stasi returns as USA captain after leading the team in 2024. Her stellar amateur résumé includes:
The 44th Curtis Cup Match will take place June 12–14, 2026, at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles — the first time the venue has hosted the event.
The year is also historic: both the Curtis Cup and the Walker Cup (Sept. 5–6 at Lahinch, Ireland) will be contested in 2026, marking the first time since 1938 that both Matches occur in the same calendar year.
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