Irish women’s golf has gone through many ups and downs over the years but there has nearly always been a big star to keep things ticking over, from a Philomena Garvey or Clarrie Reddan to a Mary McKenna or a Maureen Madill.

CORK’S Claire Coughlan will be the 12th Irish golfer to play in the Curtis Cup when she lines out for Britain & Ireland against the United States at Formby on June 12 and 13.