Great Britain and Ireland overcame a three point deficit in Sunday singles to defeat the United States, 13½ to 12½, and capture the 51st Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland.

The United States carried a 10½ to 7½ advantage into the final session after sweeping all four Sunday morning foursomes matches. Needing 3½ points to retain the Cup, the Americans instead watched Great Britain and Ireland collect seven of the 10 available singles points to complete the largest comeback in Walker Cup history.

Early Singles Matches Change the Leaderboard

Great Britain and Ireland quickly erased the deficit by winning the first four singles matches.

Stuart Grehan defeated Preston Stout for the second straight day, while U.S. Amateur champion Jack Whaley beat William Jennings 8 and 7. Whaley’s result was the largest singles victory by a Great Britain and Ireland player in Walker Cup history.

Luke Poulter added a victory over Ethan Fang, and Tyler Weaver defeated Jay Leng Jr. 4 and 3.

The four consecutive wins moved Great Britain and Ireland ahead 10½ to 9½ with six matches still on the course.

Comeback Continues at Lahinch

Great Britain and Ireland earned points in each of the first eight singles matches, finishing that stretch with six victories and two ties.

The United States had several opportunities to secure the points needed to retain the Cup, but Great Britain and Ireland continued to extend matches and add points.

Ryder Cowan and Josiah Gilbert recorded the only outright singles victories for the United States during the final session.

Josh Hill Delivers the Deciding Point

The Walker Cup ultimately came down to Josh Hill’s match against Tyler Watts.

Hill reached the 18th hole with the opportunity to secure the Cup. After finding a greenside bunker, he recovered to win the hole and complete a 1 up victory over Watts.

That point gave Great Britain and Ireland the 13½ points needed to win the Walker Cup.

The victory is Great Britain and Ireland’s first in the event since 2015 and ends a five match winning streak by the United States. The Americans continue to lead the overall series with a 40 to 10 record and one tie.

The 52nd Walker Cup is scheduled for September 2028 at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

Sources

Golf Channel: 2026 Walker Cup Final Recap

Golfweek: Great Britain and Ireland Wins 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch