Captains

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.

On 4th November 2024 the USGA also confirmed that Smith would continue in his role for the 2026 match at Lahinch G.C. in Ireland.

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 original appointment Smith said “I am ecstatic at the opportunity to lead this team at such a historic and storied venue.”

Great Britain & Ireland

Scotland’s Dean ROBERTSON, 53 (d.o.b. 11th July 1970), was appointed GB&I men’s captain by The R&A on 15th February 2024.

Dean Robertson (Photo: University of Stirling)

Robertson will begin his two-year term by captaining GB&I against the Continent of Europe in the St Andrews Trophy match at Royal Porthcawl G.C. on 25th-26th July 2024 before taking the reins at the 50th Walker Cup match at Cypress Point Club in California on 6th-7th September 2025.

As a former Walker Cup player and the long standing High Performance Golf Coach at the University of Stirling he will bring an impressive amateur playing and coaching resume to the position.

Robertson said “To have the honour of captaining Great Britain and Ireland is something I could not have imagined but it is one that I am thrilled about. I very much look forward to working closely with the players for the matches ahead with an important focus on being well prepared and playing to win.”

ME.

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