Historically, both the Royal & Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) have selected their respective captains strictly from the world of amateur golf and almost exclusively from the pool of former Walker Cup players.
United States of America
On 9th March 2022 the USGA announced the selection of Nathan Smith as USA Team captain for the 2025 Walker Cup match to be played at Cypress Point G.C.
Nathan Smith at the 2013 Walker Cup (Photo: USGA)
Nathan SMITH, 45 (d.o.b. 16th August 1978), is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He played in the 2009, 2011 and 2013 Walker Cup matches and has a W3, L4 H1 playing record in the event.
Smith is also a four-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion having won the title in 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Following his appointment Smith said “I am ecstatic at the opportunity to lead this team at such a historic and storied venue.”
Given the growing list of captaincy candidates the decision to only appoint Mike McCoy and Smith for 2023 and 2025 respectively suggests the USGA has, for the time being, decided to do away with the two match approach that both teams have traditionally taken.
Great Britain & Ireland
Following the completion of Stuart Wilson’s term of office at the St. Andrews 2023 match we await the appointment of Great Britain and Ireland’s (GB&I) new men’s golf team captain by The R&A.
The new man’s first match in charge will be against Continent of Europe in the St Andrews Trophy on 25-26 July 2024 at Royal Porthcawl G.C.
ME.
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