The late Enid Wilson, noted British golf journalist and a member of the first GB&I Curtis Cup team in 1932, once related this story: Nancy, Viscountess Astor, though American-born, was president of the Ladies Golf Union in 1952 and chaired the Annual General Meeting in London. There was a motion wishing Lady Katherine Cairns, GB&I Curtis Cup captain, and her players the best of luck in the upcoming match at Muirfield. Lady Katherine responded to the good wishes, “We shall do our damndest.” Everyone chuckled at the effect this had on Lady Astor, who pantomimed being shocked. Four months later, on the evening of the day when the GB&I had won the Curtis Cup for the first time, a wire was sent by Lady Katherine to Lady Astor. The brief message said, “We have done our damndest.” Later that evening, a telegram from Lady Astor was read to the assembled players at the Celebration Dinner. “Deplore your language. Glory in your victory,” it read.
--Rhonda Glenn