Jack Whaley, the recent US Amateur champion, has earned a place on the Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) team that will contest the 2026 Walker Cup against the United States. The 22‑year‑old Englishman joins a ten‑member contingent that also features Luke Poulter, the son of veteran Ryder Cup player Ian Poulter, and includes six players who returned from the 2025 edition held at Cypress Point in California.
The upcoming 51st Walker Cup will be staged at Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland, on September 5‑6, 2026, with live coverage on Sky Sports. GB&I are eager to break a decade‑long drought, having not beaten the Americans since their 16½‑9½ victory at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2015. The team’s selection reflects a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, all of whom have demonstrated the skill and temperament required for high‑stakes amateur match play. Returning players include Stuart Grehan, who captured the Amateur Championship, and Connor Graham, who will make his third consecutive Walker Cup appearance.
They are joined by Eliot Baker, Luke Poulter, Niall Sheils‑Donegan and Tyler Weaver, each of whom contributed to the squad’s performance in California. Newcomers making their debut this year are Ben Bolton, Sam Easterbrook, Josh Hill and, of course, Jack Whaley.
The Irish duo Thomas Higgins and David Howard have been named as first and second reserves respectively, ready to step in should any of the main squad members be unable to compete. GB&I captain Dean Robertson, who also captained the side at Cypress Point, was candid about Whaley’s inclusion.
"Before last week, I wouldn’t have seen Jack in the team," Robertson said. "But after watching him, the talent he’s got and the humility that he shows – the way he speaks – I’m really excited to welcome him. The only downside is that if it wasn’t for Jack, Tom Higgins would have been in the team, 100 per cent." Robertson’s remarks underscore how Whaley’s victory in the US Amateur, where he overcame American Jay Leng Jr.
in a grueling 36‑hole final, tipped the scales in his favor. Whaley’s triumph makes him only the third Englishman ever to win the prestigious tournament, following Harold Hilton in 1911 and current world No.
4 Matt Fitzpatrick in 2013. The Walker Cup is a biennial contest pitting a ten‑player amateur team from GB&I against a comparable squad from the United States. The format spans two days and comprises 18 singles matches and eight foursomes matches. Historically, the United States has dominated the series, leading the overall tally 40‑9‑1, but GB&I’s recent resurgence suggests the gap may be narrowing.
Robertson highlighted the composition of his side, noting, "We have a really exciting blend of players who have experienced the Walker Cup before and others who have earned their first opportunity through some excellent performances over the last year. We have players who have won important championships, performed at the highest level in amateur golf and demonstrated that they can deliver results in international match play.
We know there will be fantastic support for the team in Ireland and our players will be determined to give those supporters plenty to get behind. We learned a great deal from Cypress Point and everyone involved is hugely motivated by the challenge ahead." The inclusion of Luke Poulter adds a familial dimension to the squad.
As the son of Ian Poulter, a multiple‑time Ryder Cup hero, Luke carries both the weight of expectation and the benefit of growing up immersed in elite competitive golf. While he has yet to replicate his father’s professional achievements, his amateur record and composure under pressure earned him a spot alongside his more seasoned teammates.
Beyond the players themselves, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere at Lahinch, a classic links venue known for its undulating dunes, brisk Atlantic breezes, and historic pedigree. Irish fans are expected to turn out in force, creating a supportive backdrop that could help tip the balance in GB&I’s favour.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the first day’s coverage beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5.
Viewers can also stream the action without a contract via the NOW platform, ensuring that the excitement reaches a global audience. In addition to the on‑course drama, the Walker Cup serves as a showcase for the next generation of golf talent. Many participants, including Whaley, are already on the radar of professional tours and may soon transition to the pro ranks.
Their performances in this high‑pressure environment provide a valuable barometer for future success. As the countdown to September begins, the GB&I camp is finalising preparations, fine‑tuning strategies for both singles and foursomes play, and fostering team cohesion.
The blend of experience from veterans like Grehan and Graham, the fresh vigor of debutants such as Whaley and Bolton, and the strategic insight of captain Robertson all point toward a competitive and spirited challenge for the United States. Fans eager to follow the action can tune in to Sky Sports Golf for live coverage, listen to the dedicated Sky Sports Golf Podcast for analysis, and enjoy a range of related video highlights. The Walker Cup remains one of amateur golf’s most storied events, and this year’s contest at Lahinch promises to add another memorable chapter to its rich history.