Great Britain and Ireland captured the Walker Cup for the first time since 2015, producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat the United States 13½-12½ at Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland.
Entering the final day, the mood appeared bleak for the home side after captain Dean Robertson’s team suffered a clean sweep in the Sunday morning foursomes. The Americans extended their lead to three points heading into the singles matches, seemingly on course to retain the trophy comfortably.
However, the momentum shifted sharply during the afternoon sessions. Great Britain and Ireland lost just two of their ten singles matches, setting up a nail-biting finale that went down to the very last hole.
The decisive moment arrived on the 18th hole, where Josh Hill sank a crucial putt to defeat Tyler Watts. The victory sealed the 13½-12½ win, marking only the tenth time in history that Great Britain and Ireland have claimed the Walker Cup.
The Americans left Lahinch reflecting on missed opportunities, with four critical missed putts in the final round costing them the championship.
Speaking after securing the winning point, Hill expressed his elation: “This is absolutely unbelievable. It doesn’t get better than this.” Captain Robertson praised his squad’s resilience, stating, “I believed in the team the whole time. They worked so hard. They played so well.”
Josh Hill must be shaking after that one. Imagine the nerves on that putt!
Is this really their first win since 2015? I feel like they dominated in the nineties.
Four missed putts for the USA seems pretty costly. Do you think pressure got to them?
Did anyone else think GB&I lost before Hill holed that putt? Pure nerve!
What an incredible comeback! I couldn’t look away from that final hole.