Walker Cup: GB&I Stumbles in First Session as U.S. Fights Back

The GB&I team, led by captain Dean Robertson, experienced a mixed start in the opening session of the 2026 Walker Cup. Despite emphasizing preparation, the home side saw their lead pairing falter on the 17th hole, with Eliot Baker missing a short putt. This allowed the U.S. side, featuring World Number One amateur Preston Stout, to capitalize and halve the match on the 18th hole.

The session highlighted the unpredictable nature of match play, where momentum can shift rapidly. The early exchanges suggest a closely contested tournament, with both teams demonstrating resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks.