2026 Walker Cup Notebook

A lot had to go GB&I’s way on Sunday afternoon to reclaim the Walker Cup, and I’m sure Kihei Akina wants another shot at his putt on the 18th green more than anything. But the one decision I can't get my head around was Stewart Hagestad taking driver off the deck on No. 18 in an attempt to reach the green in two, especially after hitting a clutch shot on the 17th to square his match. You would think one of the more level-headed, prolific singles players in Walker Cup history would make a better decision coming down the stretch, but things move fast in these team match play settings.

American Preston Stout might be No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, but missing two putts on the 18th hole in different matches to get points on the board while coming up shy in the leadoff slot Sunday afternoon is house cat-adjacent behavior. Preston did earn 1.5 points in foursomes, but his pace of play and his pre-shot waggles made me think my TV froze multiple times over the weekend.

Josh Hill’s selection for the GB&I squad was heavily questioned coming into the week, and for him to answer the call when his team needed him the most was the most fitting end to the weekend and vindication for his selection.

Having seen so many terrible attempts to outfit the U.S. teams for the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup in the past, it was refreshing to see both sides were styled in simple, classic silhouettes this weekend. That should be the standard for future team events. Less is more!

I’m not sure if the golf world can bottle up the excitement for this event and replicate it elsewhere without ruining it, but let's start with expanding the TV coverage of the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur, or maybe even broadcast the final match of the U.S. Mid-Am (a guy can dream!).

This is the Walker Cup result that was desperately needed. Great golf was played by both sides and evenly contested matches came down to the final shots. The underdog got the job done on home soil. Toss in a fabulous venue and you’ve got what has been, for my money, the best event of the year. Sign me up for 2028 at Bandon Dunes.