Walker Cup: USA Comeback and Leads after Singles, Howell Shines

United States Takes the Lead in the Walker Cup After an Exciting Day

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell shined on the Cypress Point course, securing victory in his match and leading the American comeback. Jace Summy also contributed with two victories on Saturday, propelling the Americans to a 6 1/2 to 5 1/2 lead over Great Britain & Ireland after the first day of the Walker Cup. Howell, who earned his spot on the U.S. team after his victory at the U.S. Amateur last month, demonstrated his composure on the course. Despite feeling nervous at the start, Howell overcame it and achieved an impressive performance. In a crucial moment, Howell, with a 1-up lead over Luke Poulter, son of renowned golfer Ian Poulter, birdied the 15th hole and then a 45-foot birdie putt on the iconic 16th hole to close out the match.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t super nervous on the first tee,” Howell commented. “But, what a day! A beautiful day here. It’s been incredible.”

Mason Howell

The day was marked by the scenic beauty of Cypress Point, one of golf’s most picturesque courses, and featured prominent figures such as Hal Sutton, Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Kuchar, and Juli Inkster. Great Britain & Ireland, seeking their first victory on American soil in 24 years, won three of the four alternate shot matches. Connor Graham and Tyler Weaver secured consecutive victories, defeating Jackson Koivun and Tommy Morrison on the 17th hole. Graham also secured two wins for GB&I, defeating Ben James in singles. Stuart Grehan and Eliot Baker secured a victory on the 18th hole against Preston Stout and Ethan Fang. However, Grehan came close to tying, with a 6-foot birdie putt that grazed the edge of the cup. In the final match, Baker and Summy were tied. Baker, with problems on the tee and off the green, managed a chip to 12 feet. Summy, for his part, secured the par, and Baker missed his putt, which gave the victory to Summy.

“We knew we had to have a good session and they achieved it,” stated U.S. captain Nathan Smith, referring to his team’s five wins and one draw in the eight singles matches.

Nathan Smith

The United States, which has won the last four editions of the Walker Cup, dominates the series since its inception in 1924. Great Britain and Ireland’s last away victory was in 2001. Niall Shiels Donegan, the Scotsman who grew up in San Francisco, also had an outstanding performance, defeating Jacob Modleski for the second time. Shiels Donegan, upon seeing the scoreboard, focused on his game and secured a crucial point for his team. On Sunday, the competition will continue with four foursomes matches in the morning, followed by singles matches with the participation of the 10 players.