Walker Cup: Great Britain and Ireland make history with comeback win

Great Britain and Ireland produced the biggest comeback in Walker Cup history to defeat the United States and lift the trophy for the first time since 2015.

At Lahinch in Ireland, the USA looked to be on the brink when they swept the morning foursomes to move just three-and-a-half points away from a sixth consecutive victory.

But GB&I picked up seven of the 10 points in the singles to clinch victory by 13-and-a-half points to 12-and-a-half and win for the first time in 11 years.

Josh Hill had the winning moment as he defeated world number two Tyler Watts on the final hole of the eighth pairing, and that sparked wild celebrations to mark a victory that seemed so unlikely after Sunday morning.

For Irish player Stuart Grehan, winning the biennial amateur tournament on home turf meant event more.

“I’m close to crying and I’m not an emotional person,” Grehan told BBC Sport.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had on a golf course by a long stretch.”

Grehan twice defeated world number one Preston Stout in the week, including in Sunday’s decisive singles, and he said it was “incredible” to lead the fightback.

“With the way the day flowed, everyone on this team is just unbelievable,” Grehan added.

“It’s been an amazing week and to play Preston twice in the singles and get the better of him, I’m really proud of myself and it’s amazing.”

For captain Dean Robertson, the emotions were flowing as he guided GB&I to the Walker Cup for the 10th time.

“It’s been very emotional and I could not be more proud,” he said.

“I had full belief in the players, even at lunchtime when we went down 4-0.”

After Grehan defeated Stout, who battled a bug in the lead-up to the event, in the opening match, that set the tone for the comeback that was to follow.