Walker Cup 2026: Dean Robertson leads Great Britain and Ireland in Lahinch showdown

The R&A has confirmed Dean Robertson will continue as captain of Great Britain and Ireland for the 51st Walker Cup match against the United States of America at Lahinch, Ireland, in 2026. 

Robertson, who is the Head of Golf at the University of Stirling, took charge of the team for the first time in the 17-9 defeat at Cypress Point last month, with GB&I trailing by only a point going into the 10 closing singles matches before the USA dominated.

The Scot’s meticulous work behind-the-scenes and strong rapport developed with the players helped secure the backing for a second stint as captain.

The Walker Cup, which first began way back in 1922, will take place in 2026 because the biennial event has now shifted into an even-year schedule.

This change has come about in order to prevent clashes with other major international amateur golf tournaments, most notably the World Amateur Team Championships, which will now be held in odd years, and the Olympic Games. 

Golf's governing bodies R&A and USGA believe the amendment to the biennial years will create a more balanced calendar for elite amateur golfers. 

Robertson, who is also a highly regarded coach to a number of amateur players both on the college circuit in America and domestically within GB&I, will now aim to halt the USA’s run of five straight wins and secure a first GB&I victory in the match since 2015 when it is contested over the Irish links from 5-6 September 2026. 

“I am proud to accept the honour of captaining Great Britain and Ireland again in the Walker Cup at Lahinch," said Robertson. 

“Leading a talented group of players at Cypress Point this year was a huge privilege and while we produced strong foursomes performances, the singles showed us the improvement and belief needed to achieve victory.

“I am committed to captaining the team with drive and determination over the iconic links of Lahinch. The focus will be to build on this year’s performance with the goal of winning back the Walker Cup next year.”

Robertson, 55, represented GB&I in the Walker Cup in 1993 and then turned professional that year. 

He went on to win the Italian Open in 1999 with a one-shot victory over Pádraig Harrington, made four appearances in The Open and represented Scotland in the World Cup in 1999 and 2001.

Robertson's appointment for this year’s match marked a new era for the GB&I side, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from his successful amateur and professional career.

Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter, and Tyler Weaver, son of famous horse racing jockey Jason Weaver, were both on the 2025 GB&I Walker Cup team. 

The 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch will take place a full year before Europe and United States lock horns at the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will also be contested in Ireland an hour away at Adare Manor. 

In other international golf matches in 2026, Catriona Matthew OBE captains GB&I in the 44th Curtis Cup at Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California from 12-14 June – aiming for another team triumph after leading her side to success at Sunningdale last year.

The Curtis Cup has also been moved to even-numbered years. 

Niall MacSweeney has been appointed as captain of GB&I’s Jacques Léglise Trophy team at boys’ level next year, while Becca Hembrough leads the GB&I girls’ team for the Junior Vagliano Trophy.

MacSweeney was Ireland’s Men’s Team Captain from 2022 to 2024 and previously was an Irish Men’s Selector from 2012. Hembrough, a former England junior internationalist, spent over a decade as Performance Manager for the female programme at England Golf (2012-2024). 

She also recently contributed to the Arnold Palmer Cup International selection committee (2022-2024).

The Island in Ireland hosts the Jacques Léglise Trophy and the Junior Vagliano Trophy from 21-22 August.