Walker Cup: USA Comeback and Leads Great Britain & Ireland in Singles

United States Takes the Lead Over Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell birdied both par-3s facing the ocean at Cypress Point, securing his match victory. Jace Summy also stood out with two wins on Saturday, fueling the U.S. team’s comeback in the Walker Cup. After the first day, the United States leads with a score of 6 1/2 to 5 1/2 over Great Britain and Ireland. Howell, who secured his place on the U.S. team after winning the U.S. Amateur Championship last month, proved his worth. Although he felt some nervousness, he managed to stay calm and secure a crucial victory. In his match against Luke Poulter, Howell was 1 up when he birdied the 15th hole, followed by a spectacular 45-foot birdie putt on the iconic 16th hole, securing his victory.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous on the first tee,” Howell commented. “But it was an incredible day. A beautiful day here. It’s been fantastic.”

Mason Howell

The marine layer that covered the Monterey Peninsula dissipated after the morning session, revealing stunning views of Cypress Point, one of the most picturesque golf courses. The Walker Cup, which returned to Cypress for the first time since 1981, featured prominent figures in golf, including Hal Sutton and Bryson DeChambeau, among others. Great Britain and Ireland, seeking their first victory on American soil in 24 years, won three of the four alternate shot matches. Connor Graham and Tyler Weaver defeated Jackson Koivun and Tommy Morrison on the 17th hole. Graham also added two victories for Great Britain and Ireland, including a win over Ben James in singles. Stuart Grehan and Eliot Baker secured a victory on the 18th hole against Preston Stout and Ethan Fang. However, in the singles matches, Grehan had a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole against Ethan Fang, which grazed the edge of the cup, resulting in a tie. In the final match, Baker and Summy were tied, with Baker struggling off the tee and off the green. His chip landed 12 feet away, and he had to sink that putt after Summy two-putted for par. Baker’s par putt looked good until it veered off at the last moment.

“We knew we needed to have a good session and they delivered,” said U.S. captain Nathan Smith, referring to his team’s five singles victories and another tie.

Nathan Smith

The United States has won the last four editions of the Walker Cup, and has dominated the series since its inception in 1924. Great Britain and Ireland’s last away win was in 2001. Niall Shiels Donegan, the Scot who grew up in San Francisco, had another group of supporters cheering him on as he defeated Jacob Modleski for the second time. Shiels Donegan, upon seeing the scoreboard, noted the large American victories. Koivun defeated Weaver, 4 and 3. Stewart Hagestad and Stout closed out their matches on the 13th hole. Shiels Donegan and Graham contributed points, keeping Great Britain and Ireland close.

“I saw the marker on the 11th hole and noticed that we weren’t playing our best in singles,” said Shiels Donegan. “In that situation, I focused on doing my job, getting points for the team, and seeing what we could do the rest of the week.”

Niall Shiels Donegan

The final day on Sunday will include four foursomes matches in the morning, followed by singles matches with the 10 players competing.