Dubai · Gulf Edu
COUNTY CLARE, Ireland -- British Amateur champion Stuart Grehan didn't flinch when he was 3 down after three holes against the No. 1 amateur in golf. The Irishman rallied to beat Preston Stout on the 18th hole Saturday, as Great Britain and Ireland took a one-point lead over the Americans in the Walker Cup. Luke Poulter of England held off 17-year-old Miles Russell in the last singles match, giving GB&I a 6 1/2-5 1/2 lead going into the final day at Lahinch.
GB&I had a three-point lead after the opening day at St. Andrews in 2023, but the Americans won 10 of the 14 matches on Sunday. The Americans had a one-point lead last year at Cypress Point and lost only one of the 10 singles matches in a 17-9 win. Poulter, son of Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Poulter, turned the match in his favor with a 15-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole and a stellar up-and-down on the 16th. The crowd created a lively atmosphere at Lahinch’s fabled links.
The biggest cheer was for Grehan, who won the match by saving par on the 16th, par on the 17th, and a 15-foot birdie on the 18th. William Jennings holed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 17th for his first lead, winning 1-up over Connor Graham of Scotland. Niall Shiels Donegan of Scotland won two points for GB&I by beating 18-year-old Tyler Watts in singles and teaming with Josh Hill in a foursomes victory over Ryder Cowan and Josiah Gilbert. Donegan missed a 6-foot par putt on the ninth hole but bounced back to win the match, 4 and 3.
GB&I split the afternoon singles, facing a team with six of the top 10 amateur players. The day includes four foursomes matches followed by 10 singles matches.
