Walker Cup format should emphasize pairs
One reason for the U.S. supremacy at the Walker Cup is the simple dominance of the singles format, which accounts for 18 out of the 26 points on offer and is where historically the U.S. has been strongly superior (“Divot: Continental spice,” Sept. 15, GGP). Contrast this with the Curtis Cup, where the two pairs formats account for 12 out of 20 points, and the Ryder Cup (16 out of 28) and I would suggest that, rather than transitioning to a “European” team (which would have real selection challenges, inter alia), consideration be given first to amendment (and extension, therefore) of the current Walker Cup format.
Two days of four-balls and foursomes, and then a third day of singles, with all playing, would give the pairs contests 16 points out of 26 in all, a much more appropriate ratio for what is fundamentally a team competition.
Whatever happens, Lahinch in 2026 will be fabulous!
Richard Fisher
Cambridge, England
Give Walker Cup a nudge, Jack
When will the Walker Cup allow all of Europe to compete (“Divot: Continental spice,” Sept. 15, GGP)? It’s great the U.S. always wins but let’s also showcase many of the great young Europeans. Maybe we need Jack [Nicklaus] to make the suggestion like he did many years ago for the Ryder Cup.
Gene Garritano
San Luis Obispo, California
Leave the line alone
I’ve been watching golf on TV since the late ’50s. Today I enjoy watching the young, talented professional golfers on the PGA, LPGA and DP World tours. I am so frustrated, though, watching some of these players automatically tamping down the line of their shorter putts.
This seems to be the routine of so many. The players are not even inspecting the line for imperfections. I thought the USGA softened this rule for fixing imperfections like spike marks rather than letting players make a pool table-like surface between their ball and the hole. This to me is not in the spirit of the game.
Jim Teuscher
Eatonton, Georgia
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