Lily Hirst represents GB&I in the Curtis Cup before leading qualifying at The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield
Lily Hirst added to her 2026 achievements as she represented Great Britain & Ireland in the 44th Curtis Cup at Bel-Air Country Club, and led qualifying for The Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield.
GB&I faced an incredibly strong US team in California, and while the American side reclaimed the trophy at the end of three days of matches with a 13-7 win, the visitors gave them a tough task to win the trophy in the singles matches on Sunday. At one point, the visitors looked as if they might make a miraculous comeback but, in the end, the US team won six of the singles matches – including Kary Hollenbaugh earning a narrow 1up victory over Lily.
“We knew we had a tough task facing a strong team away from home, and while the result wasn’t what we wanted, I’m still on a high from the Curtis Cup,” said Huddersfield-based Lily. “It was such an incredible event – I keep remembering all these amazing little things that happened throughout the week.
“I’d wanted to be part of the Curtis Cup for a long time, particularly after [Huddersfield’s] Rochelle [Morris] was part of the event a few years ago.
“It didn’t feel like something I’d achieve until GB&I won in 2024 at Sunningdale. Seeing that team win, and knowing some of the girls taking part, I felt I could make the team if I worked hard enough. Earning the chance to be part of such a huge event is something I’m really proud of.
“The American side was so strong, and Bel-Air suited their biggest hitters,” added Lily. “The setup was just incredible and it highlighted how sharp your short game and putting need to be at this level.
“The whole week surpassed all my expectations. We got to visit the Hollywood sign and spend time enjoying being in California – as well as obviously competing and focusing on the matches. Spending time with the team was brilliant. We all got on so well and that, even though we didn’t win, made it such a special experience and one I’ll never forget.”
Lily returned to the UK and took part in the 123rd Women’s Amateur Championship at Muirfield – where she posted a second round 66 to top the standings in the 36-hole strokeplay qualifying with a six under-par aggregate of 136.
“Leading after two rounds in such a prestigious tournament, and one that is so important to all the British players, at Muirfield was pretty special,” added Lily, who was knocked out of the matchplay stage by France’s Camille Min-Gaultier.
“It was strangely calm on both days and having avoided the bunkers, I holed some putts and made the birdies to shoot six under-par, which was a great feeling.
“While the matchplay didn’t go great – Camille was so impressive and played great to win the match – there were a lot of positives to take forward into the rest of the summer.”
Being part of the Curtis Cup and leading qualifying at Muirfield added to Lily’s win in the Comboy Leveret earlier this season as well as her T5 finish in the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open at Royal Troon, T4 finish in the Rose Ladies Series event at West Lancashire, second place finish in the Welsh Women’s Open Stroke Play at Aberdovey, and third place finish at the German International Amateur.
“This summer – with the experience of facing some of the best players in the world at the Curtis Cup and at Muirfield – I’ve built up so much confidence to carry forward,” said Lily, who will represent England in the European Team Championships before heading to the European Ladies’ Amateur in Sweden, and then to qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open.
“I’m happy with where my game is at,” added Lily. “I can see where I can improve, but I’m happy to have ticked off so many goals this year. It’s great to see the hard work from the winter paying off. I’m proud of that work, and it’s so cool to see the results coming having felt miles away from anything like this back in October.
“I’d love to keep the run going this summer. From there, I’ll be back home working on my game as I gear up for Ladies European Tour Qualifying School at the very end of the year.
“I’m excited to see how much further I can elevate my game in the second half of the year.”
