USA withstand GB&I fightback to retain the Walker Cup
In a pulsating contest in which both sides had to call upon alternates due to illness, Team USA resisted a spirited GB&I comeback to win the Walker Cup 14-12 at Seminole GC.
Trailing 7-5 at the end of day one, a strong GB&I showing in the Sunday morning foursomes ensured it was all to play for heading into the final ten singles matches.
Austin Eckroat and Pierceson Coody got the Americans off to the perfect start, before a run of threeand-a-half points from four for the visitors – all of which were decided on the 18th – meant the match got the dramatic ending it deserved. But the Americans weren’t to be denied, with Cole Hammer and Stewart Hagestad winning the last two matches.
It was the Americans’ third victory in a row and fifth straight on home soil dating back to 2005. “It was a miracle beyond miracles we had the event when everyone started getting sick. To win at Seminole is a dream for me,” said US captain Nathaniel Crosby.