It was the perfect blend. Take the 10 best male amateur players from the USA and put them against the 10 best male amateurs from Great Britain and Ireland.
On a course that was half-designed by legends Marion Hollins and Dr. Alister MacKenzie, and half by the Almighty.
The recent Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club, which perfectly marked the 50th edition of the biennial event, was for both those watching on TV and those in attendance a moment of bliss.
Friday’s practice rounds featured a visit by former President George W. Bush. Bush, who has made visits to Walker Cups in the U.S. a recent routine, is the great-grandson of former USGA President George Herbert Walker, who the event is named after.
“I love the Walker Cup,” said Bush, who even snuck in a putt on the par-3 15th hole. “I think it’s one of the great athletic events — ever.”
Joining Bush as those at one point or another soaking it in were former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NorCal native and two-time U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau, World Golf Hall of Famer Fred Couples and Matt Kuchar.
When it was time to get serious, Team USA, under skies at times so bright that some sought shade, dominated in Singles play over the two days, paving the way towards a convincing 17-9 victory.
Team USA captain Nathan Smith, who arrived at the event having already won three USGA titles, was even starstruck by it all.
“It's just an emotion I've never had in anything. It's hard to describe until you do it. I think the only thing I can say, I was just so honored to be their captain,” Smith said. “Not only how they played on the course, how they gelled as a team, how they bonded, what everyone brought to the team.”
In further celebrating the historic occasion, we look back and remember what a wonderful weekend it was through the lens of one of golf’s most acclaimed photographers, Joann Dost.