9. A loss for the Americans, a win for the Cup
The U.S. has an overwhelming all-time lead in the Curtis Cup, to the tune of 29-8-3. The 2012 GB&I victory at Nairn Golf Club in Scotland ended a streak of seven matches won by the Americans (dating to 1998) and was enormously important in keeping the goodwill competition relevant.
GB&I won the matches 10.5 to 9.5 despite the fact that the U.S. swept the first foursomes session, 3-0. It was a huge victory for the home team. Consider, too, some of the players on that GB&I squad: Charley Hull, Bronte Law, Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow all went on to successful professional careers.
It can’t go without mentioning, however, that the decade ended with the Curtis Cup back in the hands of the Americans. The U.S. team won by a record 17-3 margin in 2018, but there’s always next year in Wales.