No Scots Player chosen but Elaine to Captain GB & I Vagliano Team

There is no Scottish player in the GB and I squad of 10 named for a preliminary Vagliano Trophy team get-together at The Belfry on December 21 and 22.

The only Scottish connection is the retention of Aberdeen solicitor Elaine Farquharson-Black (Deeside) - pictured right  as the team captain for the two-day match against the Continent of Europe at Circolo Golf Bogogno, Italy on June 30 and July 1, 2017.

She led GB and I to memorable victory over the United States in the Curtis Cup match at Dun Laoghaire GC near Dublin last June.

Elaine, an honorary member of Deeside Golf Club and its junior convenor, said, “I am delighted to be continuing as captain of the GB and I team for the Vagliano Trophy. I look forward to working with another talented group of golfers to prepare for the challenge of winning the match against the Continent of Europe next year.”

The players chosen for The Belfry session are:

Emma Allen (Eng)
Lianna Bailey (Eng)
Gemma Clews (Eng)
India Clyburn (Eng)
Maria Dunne (Ire)
Alice Hewson (Eng)
Sophie Lamb (Eng)
Leona Maguire (Ire)
Olivia Mehaffey (Ire)
Lizzie Prior (Eng).

Ireland's Claire Coughlan-Ryan will continue as captain of the GB and I team of six Under-16 players for the Junior Vagliano Trophy match at the same Italian venue.

England's Helen Hewlett will be manager of both teams.

It generally considered that it is harder for GB and I to beat the Continent of Europe than it is to win against the United States.
Last year, at Malone Golf Club, Dublin, GB and I, captain by Elaine Farquharson-Black, got within one point of drawing with the Continent in the Vagliano Trophy match, the closest since the 2005 match won by GB and I at Chantilly.

The Continent have won the biennial fixture in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

The loss of Bronte Law, who won all five matches in the Curtis Cup match but is bound for the pro ranks, is a blow but Leona Maguire's decision to delay turning pro for at least another year is a big bonus for skipper Farquharson Black.