Record breaker

May 27 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

THIS week, Carly Booth will become the youngest player ever to appear in the Curtis Cup for the Great Britain and Ireland team, writes Gordon Bannerman.

But yesterday, as she began the countdown to an historic sporting occasion – being staged, fittingly, at The Home of Golf – the lavishly gifted Comrie youngster was more intrigued by the five-star luxury of the Old Course Hotel than what awaits her on the first tee come Friday morning.

Making the Curtis Cup squad for St Andrews has been her goal for the past 18 months.

Carly turns 16 on June 21, a few weeks after re-writing the golfing record books in the Kingdom of Fife.

And longer term, her career target remains joining the professional ranks.

But for now, the focus is on helping the home team secure a rare Curtis Cup triumph against the dominant team USA.

The opening ceremony takes place on Thursday with the three-day event getting under way at 8am on Friday.

“Being the youngest player ever to be selected is a great honour and I’m really excited. But it’s a young team and we all get on very well,” said Carly, who returned to Scotland last week after combining her education and golf in the warmth of Arizona over the winter.”

When former teammates in the Team Faldo development squad made the grade last time round, Carly was eager to add the Curtis Cup to a fast-expanding CV.

“It’s a real bonus that we are playing at St Andrews, with four Scots in the team. We can expect great backing from the fans.”

The prospect of teeing-up at the most famous golf course on the planet, flying the flag for GB and Ireland, holds no fears for confident Carly.

“The first time I played St Andrews was when I was 10. That was a real thrill. I had three rounds in two days over different courses.

“I remember being beaten by a girl who was off 24. She came out of the 17th bunker on the Old Course, from a spot against the lip, recalled Carly.

“I know I’ll be nervous on Friday, but in a good way. I can picture my first drive!”

Carly, who recently savoured a Buckingham Palace reception for the Curtis Cup squad, enjoyed a peek at her plush Old Course Hotel billet during a squad gathering and she’s determined to make the most of her stay.

“One of the rooms had a rooftop Jacuzzi spa. If I was staying there I wouldn’t want to leave for the course!” she chuckled. “I’ll be there at noon on the dot to check-in!”