Walker Cup: Scottish duo left disappointed as United States retains trophy

GB&I suffers fourth consecutive Walker Cup defeat as the United States dominates in the second session of singles.

Calum Scott and Connor Graham were unable to replicate their success from the previous day as the GB&I team suffered their fourth consecutive defeat at the Old Course in the Walker Cup.

In the opening session of foursomes on Saturday, Scott from Nairn and Graham from Blairgowrie played a crucial role in the home team's strong start. However, they both experienced defeats in the second session of singles, as the United States showed why they were the favorites by securing six wins and two halves out of the ten matches, resulting in a 14.5-11.5 victory.

GB&I captain Stuart Wilson expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that they had a comfortable lead in the morning session that they let slip away in the foursomes. He also mentioned that the players themselves would be feeling the most disappointed, as they didn't perform to their full potential in the afternoon.

The momentum shifted in favor of the United States when GB&I saw their overnight lead reduced to just one point during the foursomes. The Americans came out strong, determined to dent the confidence of the home team. Caleb Surratt and Ben James secured the opening point for the United States, followed by Nick Dunlap and world No. 1 Gordon Sargent with a hole win over Graham and Scott. Preston Summerhays and Nick Gabrelcik then squared the match by defeating James Ashfield and Alex Maguire.

However, GB&I managed to regain the initiative in the final morning session, thanks to a commanding performance by Liam Nolan and Mark Power, who defeated Dylan Menante and Austin Greaser 4 & 3. This restored the narrow advantage for the home team heading into the singles.

Unfortunately, Scott, who had been a standout performer on the first day, couldn't replicate his previous form. Graham, who partnered with Scott in the past, also suffered a defeat. Barclay Brown had an opportunity to bring the hosts back level but experienced a dramatic collapse and had to sink a difficult five-footer on the last for a half.

GB&I's hopes seemed to rely on John Gough, their highest-ranked player at 14th in the world, as he was all-square with Sargent with two holes to play. However, a six at the penultimate hole allowed Sargent to eventually claim a 1-hole victory, extending the US lead to three points.

Gough did provide a moment of brilliance with an eagle at the sixth hole, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Jack Bigham's victory over Gabrelcik narrowed the gap to two points, and Matthew McClean halved his match with Menante. However, it was too late for a comeback, and David Ford's match-winning putt against Maguire sealed the victory for the United States, despite Power's win over James and Greaser's win over Nolan.

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