US regain Walker Cup thanks to LA thrashing

Syme loses singles clash on final hole as GB&I are outplayed by host team

The United States regained the Walker Cup from Great Britain and Ireland with a comprehensive 19-7 victory at the Los Angeles Country Club.

Great Britain and Ireland trailed by four points heading into the second and final day and the Americans eased themselves into an 11-5 lead and within two-and-a-half points of victory after winning the morning foursomes 3-1.

And the hosts duly wrapped up victory, surrendering just one-and-a-half points in the 10 singles matches in the afternoon, to regain a trophy they lost at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2015.

Home teams have won 11 of the past 13 Walker Cups, with GB’s last win in America in 2001.

Fife’s Connor Syme lost his singles down the last hole.

Maverick McNealy, Collin Monikawa and Doug Ghim led US with four wins from four matches, an unprecedented feat in a single match.

McNealy, who plans to turn professional on Monday, said it had been an unforgettable week.

“I think it starts with the US team getting that big trophy and that was our goal at the beginning of the week and I’m so excited to be part of the 2017 winning Walker Cup team,” he told the USGA.

“That’s what’s most important to me. I’m so glad we could win this for our team, win this for Captain Miller, and win this for the country.

“It’s been unbelievable. I’ll never forget this week. It’s the end of my amateur career, but it means so much more than that to me, it’s been incredible.”

Captain Spider Miller, who also skippered the US team when they were beaten last time out at Royal Lytham and St Annes, could not hide his delight with the performance of his team.

Miller said: “They have conducted themselves great this week, they have done everything I’ve asked, and I’m very proud of them all.”

GB captain Andy Ingram paid tribute to the “amazing” winning team.

“Got to take my hat off to them, they have been superb all week,” he said.

“This is such a wonderful place. I love the climate,

“I love the people, I love the golf course. We have had some great fun.”

Picture: AP. Jubilant US players lift the Walker Cup as GB&I’s long wait for a victory on American soil continues.