Team competition

Walker Cup

United States and Great Britain and Ireland Established 1922

American Golf Archive illustration of the Walker Cup trophy.
American Golf Archive editorial illustration

The men’s amateur match between the United States and Great Britain and Ireland, named for a cup donated by George Herbert Walker.

At a glance

Founded
1922 ↘
Sides
United States and Great Britain and Ireland ↘
Field character
Men’s amateur teams ↘
Match formats
Foursomes and singles ↘
Venue model
Alternates between the United States and Great Britain or Ireland ↘
Usual calendar position
Biennial; even years from 2026 ↘

Across the years

Champions through time

Next verified Edition

Scheduled

Status
Scheduled
Venue
Lahinch
Open 2026 Walker Cup
Browse complete history 51 editions

Archive essay

Why it matters

The Walker Cup is a men’s amateur team match between the United States and Great Britain and Ireland, played through foursomes and singles. ↘

Its record belongs to elite amateur golf: the same match-play pressure as the professional cups, but with teams selected from players who have not entered the professional game. ↘

Chapter 01

Origins and identity

The first Walker Cup was played in 1922 at National Golf Links of America. The match grew from postwar conversations between American and British golf authorities, with former USGA president George Herbert Walker supplying the trophy. ↘

Chapter 02

Place and competitive character

The host alternates between the United States and Great Britain or Ireland, building a century-long route through foundational amateur venues. ↘

Chapter 03

Traditions, qualification and evolution

Morning foursomes and afternoon singles place both partnership and individual play inside each competition day. Team selection is divided between the USGA and The R&A. ↘

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