The USGA and the Ladies' Golf Union have announced that the Curtis Cup will change to a three-day format, beginning with the 2008 Match.

The change in format was approved at a joint meeting of the USGA Women's Committee and the Ladies' Golf Union on the Thursday prior to the 2006 event, which was played at the Pacific Dunes Course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

"We felt that there was so much preparation leading up to the Curtis Cup, but then only two days of play," said Marcia Luigs, chairman of the USGA women's committee. "We went to the USGA executive committee earlier this year for approval, which we received."

Since 1964, the match has been played over two days, with three foursomes (alternate-shot) matches and six singles matches each day. Starting in 2008, which will be played over the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, there will be three foursomes and three four-ball (better-ball) matches on the first two days. On the final day, there will be eight singles matches, meaning all eight players from each side will play in singles.

"Another day of competition will only add to the excitement of the Match," said Luigs. "And it will be wonderful to have all team members playing in the singles matches."

The Curtis Cup, which was first played in 1932, features eight players from the Great Britain and Ireland team and eight players who represent the United States.