50th Walker Cup Begins Saturday at Cypress Point, USA Hosts GB&I

The 50th Walker Cup, a prestigious amateur golf competition between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland, commenced at Cypress Point Club, ranked the No. 1 classic course in the U.S. The U.S. team, led by captain Nathan Smith and including experienced players like Ben James and Stewart Hagestad, prepared confidently, with Hagestad making his fifth Walker Cup appearance and boasting a strong singles match record. On the practice day, around three thousand fans gathered, and former President George W. Bush, whose great-grandfather donated the Walker Cup trophy, joined the U.S. team on the course, highlighting the event's historical significance. Mason Howell, the U.S. Amateur champion, made a remarkable albatross during practice, contributing to the excitement around the American squad. The opening day featured foursomes and singles matches with pairings announced by both captains, reflecting a well-prepared competition atmosphere. Both teams have shown strong form, setting the stage for an intense contest at this biennial event.