University Head of Golf captains GB&I at Walker Cup, as hosts prove too strong

University of Stirling’s Head of Golf Dean Robertson was unable to turn the tide in favour of his Great Britain and Ireland team (GB&I) at this year’s Walker Cup – despite making an impressive start to the 50th edition of the transatlantic tie.

Robertson captained the 10-strong GB&I team – made up of the countries’ best amateur golfers – as they took on their American counterparts at the exclusive Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California.

Given the United States’ domination of the biennial contest since its founding in 1922, and that their 2025 line-up included seven of the world's top 10 amateur players, Robertson and his players faced the toughest of challenges. However, they were quick out the blocks, building up a 3-1 lead after the first round of foursomes on Saturday morning - but the United States hit back in the afternoon singles to take a 6.5 – 5.5 lead into the final day.

GB&I halved the Sunday morning foursomes to stay one point adrift going into the final round of singles – but the hosts dominated from then on, winning eight of the 10 ties to seal their 17-9 victory. Their fifth straight win in the series, the United States now have 40 wins, with GB&I on nine wins and one match tied. Notably, GB&I have only won twice on American soil – in 1989 and 2001.

The University's Head of Golf, Dean Robertson addresses delegates at the 50th edition of the Walker Cup in California. Image credit: The R&A.

Speaking on Sunday, Robertson reflected on the weekend’s golf, saying: “We came here with a focus to raise our standard, to emulate what's only been done a couple of times in over 100 years.

“We had a belief. We had a goal, and the goal was 13-and-a-half points. Even at lunchtime today, we had to come out and we had to get momentum. But the red went on the board early.

“We were in it though. We fought hard. Our foursomes performances were exceptional. I think the big difference for us is we need to be better putters.

“The US team is loaded with talented individuals. We are too. But certainly when it came right down to it, we never really managed to see out some of the games. Then this afternoon Team USA performed brilliantly. Hats off and big congratulations to them. They've played fantastic.”

He added: “Cypress Point, the golf club, has been an amazing experience. The memories these kids are going to have are going to last a lifetime, and for a number of them they're going to get to come back I'm sure to Lahinch in a year's time, and they're going to have to do it all again, but it's not going to be any easier; it's going to be equally as difficult. But they certainly have got the talent, and with a little bit of belief and a little bit more growth in their careers, then Lahinch could well be a real exciting match.”

Dean Robertson, left, pictured on course at Cypress Point, California, with GB&I player Charlie Forster. Image credit: The R&A.

David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “While the result in California was not what we had hoped for, GB&I put on a very good performance in the opening rounds and Dean and his players should be proud of their efforts – we certainly are.

“It is a huge career milestone for Dean, leading his country into such a prestigious competition on the international stage, at one of the world’s top courses. While I know Dean will be disappointed with the result, I know he and his players will leave the United States with cherished memories and a great deal of experience from the competition.”

GB&I made a strong start to this year's Walker Cup, with the pairings of Connor Graham and Tyler Weaver, Charlie Forster and Luke Poulter, and Eliot Baker and Stuart Grehan, each winning before teammates Cameron Adam and Dominic Clemons were beaten. However, the United States fought back in Saturday’s singles, winning five of eight matches, to take a 6.5 – 5.5 lead into Sunday.

On Sunday, pairings Charlie Forster and Luke Poulter, and Cameron Adam and Niall Shiels Donegan recorded wins, however, Connor Graham and Tyler Weaver, and Eliot Baker and Stuart Grehan lost their match ups – making it 8.5 – 7.5 going into the final round of singles. In that final session, Gavin Tiernan won his round and Connor Graham tied his – but the rest of the pairings lost, giving a final score of 17-9.

Walker Cup

Organised by the R&A and the United States Golf Association, the Walker Cup began in 1922. Selection to play in the historic match is often regarded as the highlight of an amateur’s career – many of whom go on to turn professional. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickleson and Dustin Johnson are among the top professionals to have played in the competition while amateurs.

Although biennial, the contest is moving to even-numbered years, therefore, the next event in the series will take place next year at Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland.

GB&I captain Dean Robertson participated in the opening ceremony of the 50th Walker Cup at Cypress Point, California. Image credit: The R&A.

Dean Robertson

As an amateur, Robertson won the Scottish Youths Amateur Open Championship in 1991, the Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1992, and the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1993. He competed at the 1993 Walker Cup, at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota, where he won his singles match against Jay Sigel – but, in a one-sided affair, GB&I lost the competition 19-5.

As a professional, Robertson won the European Tour’s Italian Open in 1999 and the Scottish PGA Championship in 2006. He also competed in The Open Championship on four occasions, with his best finish being tied 26th at St Andrews in 2000.

Robertson has led the high-performance golf programme at Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence – since 2010. During his tenure, he has developed some of the country’s most promising golfing talent. In recent years, highlights have included scholars Lorna McClymont and Louise Duncan joining the professional Ladies European Tour, and McClymont being crowned best female student golfer in the UK in 2023, and George Cannon the best male. McClymont also won the 2022/23 R&A Student Order of Merit and two major amateur competitions – the Irish Open and Welsh Open.

Scholars have also enjoyed international success under Dean’s leadership – being selected for major team competitions, including the Arnold Palmer Cup, Curtis Cup and Vagliano Trophy; competing in competitions across Europe and the United States. Notably, in 2009, Dean was Head Coach of the Arnold Palmer Cup Team. Graduates of the University programme have also competed in the Walker Cup: Colin Dalgleish, Gordon Sherry, Richie Ramsay, Gavin Dear, Jack McDonald and Cormac Sharvin.

Excellence

The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. The coveted high-performance golf programme has recently added a state-of-the-art indoor studio to its facilities, enabling the University's golfers to use data-driven insights to perfect their game.

In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Core sports include golf, triathlon, football, tennis, swimming, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.