GB&I leads United States after Day 1 at Walker Cup

Field Level Media|published: 09/05/2026, 6:03pm EDT

Jun 18, 2026; Southampton, New York, USA; Ethan Fang prepares to tee off on first hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Great Britain & Ireland outplayed the United States during the morning foursomes to forge a 6 1/2-5 1/2 lead after Day 1 of Walker Cup play Saturday at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland.

GB&I won the foursomes 2 1/2-1 1/2 before the amateur teams split the eight singles matches in the afternoon.

Niall Sheils Donegan led the way for GB&I. He teamed with Josh Hill to beat Josiah Gilbert and Ryder Cowan 4 & 3 in foursomes, and then topped Tyler Watts 3 & 2 during singles.

Watts and Miles Russell claimed the Americans' lone foursomes win with a 1-up decision over Luke Poulter and Sam Easterbrook. Ethan Fang, William Jennings, Jay Leng Jr. and Stewart Hagestad earned singles wins for the Americans.

The United States has won five straight Walker Cups but will need to rally Sunday, when 14 points will be at stake, including 10 during afternoon singles.

--Field Level Media