By Brian Keogh
Great Britain and Ireland won the PGA Cup for the first time since 2017 with a record-breaking 16.5-9.5 victory over the USA at the K Club.
Captain David Scott’s side needed 13.5 points, and Toby Hunt delivered the crucial half point with a three-foot par putt on the 15th to go 3-up with three to play.
Hunt, who later beat Brandon Bingaman 3&2, called it “a massive relief” and admitted he glanced at the scoreboard and sensed a rare opportunity. “It feels great after getting stuffed two years ago,” he said.
Ben Amor then halved with Ryan Lenehan to take GB&I to 16.5, eclipsing the 16 points from their last win in 2017.
Scott was emotional, saying he was “absolutely amazed” by his team’s quality, heart and depth despite being considered weaker on paper.
Inspired by the GB&I Walker Cup team’s comeback in Lahinch, he urged players to “stay where your feet are” and focus only on their own match.
Scotland’s Graeme Robertson was the standout, winning all five matches after a 3&1 triumph over Brian Bergstol. Zach Haynes briefly gave the USA hope with a 2&1 win over Ash Mansell, but GB&I quickly reasserted control.
Simon Thornton earned a half point, Matt Ford beat Garrett Sapp 2&1, and Harry Casey, unwell on Friday, won the anchor match 4&3 over Austin Hurt. That ensured all ten GB&I players contributed at least a point.
The visitors finished unbeaten across all five sessions, sealing just their eighth PGA Cup in history and second at the K Club.
Amor’s half point was the icing on the cake, capping a sensational week.
