USA victorious in thrilling Walker Cup finale

After going into Sunday?s singles with a commanding lead, victory looked a formality for the USA but Great Britain and Ireland fought back to provide a fantastic finish to the Walker Cup, at Royal County Down.

During an exciting first day the USA side looked comfortable until the Great Britain and Ireland side won the last three singles games and went into Sunday tied at 6-6. A whitewash in the morning foursomes on Sunday gave the USA a 10-6 lead, and left them needing only two points to retain the Cup.

The Great Britain and Ireland side fought back gallantly with Rory McIlroy, Rhys Davies and Lloyd Saltman winning the first three singles matches. Danny Willett then sank a 20-foot putt on the last for a half with US Amateur Champion Colt Knost and give the Great Britain and Ireland side hope.

It took an eagle from American Jonathan Moore on the final hole to defeat Welshman Nigel Edwards and seal victory for the USA.

The Sunday singles finished 5.5-2.5, leaving the Great Britain and Ireland side just short, and giving the Americans victory by a final score of 12.5-11.5.

Royal County Down proved to be a fantastic setting and thousands turned out to watch the two-day event. In 2009 the Cup will be played at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, USA.