Robertson Re-Appointed GB&I Walker Cup Captain for 2026 Match

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, in the Republic of Ireland next year.

Robertson – Head of Golf at the University of Stirling in Scotland – took charge of the team for the first time in the 17-9 defeat at Cypress Point Club, in Pebble Beach, Calif., 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.

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 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes when it is contested over the Irish links Sept. 5-6.

The 55-year-old said, “I am proud to accept the honour of captaining Great Britain and Ireland again in the Walker Cup at Lahinch.

“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 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.

His 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.

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

The change to a biennial schedule in even-numbered years starting in 2026 for both the Curtis Cup and the Walker Cup has been made to avoid conflicts with the World Amateur Team Championships, which moved to odd-numbered years in 2023.