The Golf Business

Great Britain and Ireland defeated the United States of America 13½-12½ to win the 51st Walker Cup at Lahinch in one of the most dramatic finishes in the match’s 104 year history.

Trailing 9½-6½ going into this afternoon’s singles session, Dean Robertson’s side conjured up a comeback for the ages which culminated in Josh Hill securing the winning point on the 18th hole with the last putt of the match to secure GB&I’s first victory in the historic encounter since 2015 at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

The victory by GB&I at the iconic links on the County Clare coast ends the streak of five victories in the Walker Cup by the USA and is GB&I’s tenth win overall.

The USA swept the morning foursomes 4-0 for the first time since the 2007 match at Royal County Down to cruise into a 9½-6½ lead before this afternoon’s singles.

World number one Preston Stout and Ethan Fang got the better of home favourite Stuart Grehan and Eliot Baker by a 3&2 margin, highlighted by an eagle two at the par-4 13th.

With the scoreboard turning red in favour of the visitors, Kihei Akina and Jay Leng Jr edged the USA in front in the match overall with a resounding 4&3 defeat of Luke Poulter and Sam Easterbrook, before William Jennings and Ryder Cowan dominated their encounter with Niall Sheils Donegan and Josh Hill to win by the same margin.

This morning’s complete dominance by the USA was confirmed shortly after thanks to Miles Russell and Tyler Watts beating Tyler Weaver and Connor Graham 3&2.

US Amateur Champion Jack Whaley got GB&I’s comeback effort off to a flying start when he blew away William Jennings 8&7 to reduce the deficit to two points. In doing so he equalled the second largest margin of victory in a singles match in the Walker Cup.

Grehan, the lone Irishman in Robertson’s side, then delighted the home galleries by coming back from two holes down against Stout to win 2&1 in the top match of the draw before Poulter drew the sides level at 9½-9½ by defeating Fang 3&1.

Home hopes rose further when Weaver edged GB&I back in front in the match with a convincing 4&3 scoreline against Leng Jr while Donegan kept his composure at the last to secure a vital half against Akina after the American missed a putt to win the match from close range.

The USA responded shortly after when Josiah Gilbert defeated Sam Easterbrook 4&3. Baker then claimed another point for the hosts when he birdied the last against Walker Cup veteran Stewart Hagestad to win by one hole before Cowan looked to have put the visitors in a commanding position as the match headed towards its conclusion with a 3&2 defeat of Ben Bolton.

With only two matches left out on the course, the USA only needed a point to retain the trophy while GB&I needed one and a half points to win the match outright.

Graham secured an important half point in his match against Russell, coming back from three down at the 11th, to win the last with a birdie and leave Hill requiring a point against Watts in the last match on course.

The Englishman found the greenside bunker with his approach but dug deep to produce a wonderful recovery which left him a three foot putt. With Watts unable to convert his birdie chance from long range, Hill calmly holed out to delight the thousands of fans thronging around the 18th arena and set off celebrations which will go late into the night.

A new player has entered the golf mobility market with an exciting range of affordable electric scooters and four-wheel drive options.

UK-based Pro Scoot has unveiled a stunning range of 24 vehicles to ensure even the hilliest golf course is accessible to all.

The premium vehicles can tackle the trickiest of terrains and have a maximum range of over 50 miles on a single charge – therefore easily managing more than two rounds of golf before needing to be recharged.

The two-wheel KAASPEED K1S scooter boasts a 1000w electric motor, delivering smooth acceleration, impressive climbing ability and excellent stability with its self-balancing technology and has a maximum range of 38 miles on a single charge. Available in 12 colours, its rugged and stylish design is guaranteed to command attention on the course!

The VEEHOP electric scooter/Mini ATV is available in both 2WD and 4WD versions. The VEEHOP 2WD is powered by a high-performance 3200w electric drive system providing exceptional grip on wide range of surfaces from grass and gravel to woodland tracks and sand. When the terrain becomes more challenging, the 4WD version packs a punch with 6400w of power - for maximum traction and control.

An impressive range of up to 50 miles on a single charge, along with large all-terrain tyres, plus front and rear suspension, guarantees a comfortable ride.

All of the vehicles are factory-built to order, and a comprehensive accessory selection means they can be customised to suit specific needs.

In addition to golf, they are suitable for a wide range of uses from caravan and camping holidays, to fishing trips, beach visits and coastal paths.

Flexible payment options are available. For more information and to order visit proscoot.co.uk

Thirty-six girls from GolfSixes League clubs across the country enjoyed a memorable day at The Belfry last week, as the Golf Foundation celebrated girls’ golf alongside the Husqvarna British Masters.

Representing 18 GolfSixes League clubs, the young golfers were invited to play six holes on The Belfry’s PGA National Course while the British Masters was taking place nearby on the iconic Brabazon Course.

Playing in GolfSixes League’s familiar Texas Scramble format, the event was designed to bring girls together for a fun, inclusive and relaxed day of golf, while celebrating the friendships, confidence and opportunities being created through the growing GolfSixes League programme.

The event also marked a welcome return to The Belfry for the Golf Foundation, just a few months after the venue hosted the Foundation’s Girls Leadership Programme, which was delivered alongside the LPGA Foundation and brought together young women from across the game to develop their confidence and leadership skills.

Five Golf Foundation Young Ambassadors also volunteered throughout the day, helping to welcome and support the players and providing another example of young people taking an active role in helping others enjoy the game.

The day was made even more memorable when British Masters tournament host Sir Nick Faldo joined the group to present prizes and spend time with the young golfers.

The six-time Major champion shared some words of encouragement with the girls before producing a trick shot that provided one of the highlights of the day.

“Days like this really capture what GolfSixes League is all about,” said GolfSixes League manager Ian Harvey. “We had 36 girls from 18 different clubs coming together, playing golf, making friends and having fun at one of the most exciting golf events in the country.

“To have an opportunity to play at The Belfry during British Masters week is incredibly special, and then for Sir Nick Faldo to come and spend time with the girls made it even more memorable.

“We want GolfSixes League to give young people positive experiences of golf that make them want to keep playing, and looking around at the smiles, friendships and excitement throughout the day, this was a fantastic example of that.”

One of the day’s winning players added, “It’s been great. I’ve never done just a girls tournament before. There aren’t loads of girls in golf, but we’re showing them that girls can do what the men can do!”

GolfSixes League provides young golfers with a fun, team-based introduction to competition, using shorter formats and Texas Scramble golf to help create an inclusive environment in which juniors can develop their skills, confidence and friendships. More than 9,000 players took part in 2025 across the four home nations.

The programme has become an increasingly important part of the Golf Foundation’s work to help more young people experience golf and create opportunities for them to develop a lifelong connection with the game.

With girls from 18 clubs coming together at The Belfry, supported by the next generation of young volunteers and one of golf’s greatest champions, the British Masters event provided another memorable celebration of the growing community of girls in grassroots golf.

The University of Stirling has welcomed a delegation from South Korea to showcase cutting-edge golf technology as part of a growing international collaboration.

Representatives from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and sports technology company SGLAB visited the University’s state-of-the-art Golf Studio to demonstrate G·GRIP, the world’s first AI-powered golf club that reveals how golfers control the club through real-time analysis of grip pressure and club motion.

By making hand–club interaction measurable, G·GRIP provides coaches and players with objective performance insights. The technology has earned CES Innovation Awards in 2025 and 2026, as well as a Special Mention in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025.
The visit forms part of a partnership established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Stirling and KITECH.

Professor Neville Wylie, Senior Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), said: “We were thrilled to welcome representatives from KITECH and SGLAB to the University. This collaboration builds on the University of Stirling's international reputation in golf education, research and athlete development, while strengthening links with these leading organisations involved in sports innovation and technology.”

Dr Donghyun Seo, researcher at KITECH, said: “Our institute exists to help Korean industry solve problems it cannot solve alone. When we signed the MoU with the University of Stirling last year, this is the kind of work we had in mind. Korean sports companies are building strong technology, and what they need next is independent research and expertise in the markets they hope to enter. Stirling offers both, and we expect others to follow.”

As part of the collaboration, SGLAB has provided golf technology equipment worth more than £13,000 to the University and is supporting future work in golf innovation and performance analysis, as well as research by the University of Stirling’s Centre for Research and Innovation in Sport (CRIS).

During the visit, the delegation worked with staff at the University of Stirling's Golf Studio and driving range facilities, showcased the technology and explored opportunities for collaboration in sports technology, coaching, performance development, and academic research.

Dr Sungkyung Kim, Lecturer in Sport Management and CRIS researcher, who is driving the partnership, said: “There are few places in the world where a high-performance sport programme and a sport research centre sit on the same campus. That combination is why the team came to Stirling. During the visit, we agreed to take forward collaborative research.”

Graeme Matheson, University of Stirling Sports Development Officer, who is supporting the collaboration, said: “This project brings together international expertise and innovative technology, while providing an exciting opportunity to engage with our local golfing community and explore new approaches that can benefit golfers and coaches.”

Eddie Cho, Founder and CEO of SGLAB and a PGA Class A Professional, said: “We're excited to be working with the University of Stirling, which is internationally recognised for its expertise in golf and its sport research. This partnership is a valuable opportunity to share ideas, demonstrate our technology and explore how innovation can support golfers and coaches in the future.”

A historic Yorkshire golf club has been acquired by the UK’s largest owner and operator of country clubs

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IMG has been appointed as the golf course management partner for Thatluang Lake Golf Resort, a landmark new golf destination currently under development in Vientiane, Laos.

Scheduled to open in late 2026, the project marks IMG's first golf course management assignment in Laos and represents an important milestone in the company's continued expansion across Asia. The new golf resort has been designed by internationally renowned Faldo Design and is being constructed to the highest international standards by Flagstick GCCM, with premium turf supplied by STS.

Set within the rapidly developing Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone, the golf resort has been conceived to deliver a championship-calibre playing experience while helping establish Laos as an emerging destination for golf tourism in Southeast Asia.

Under IMG's management, the focus will be on delivering exceptional course conditioning, outstanding guest experiences and a sustainable operating platform that supports the long-term growth of the game in Laos.

A key component of the project is the selection of world-class turfgrass varieties to ensure premium playing conditions throughout the year. The course will feature Zeon Zoysia on its fairways, tees and roughs, providing exceptional density, presentation and playability. The greens will be planted with TifEagle Bermuda grass, one of the most widely respected putting surfaces in championship golf, renowned for its smooth, consistent performance and ability to deliver premium green speeds.

Of particular note is the resort's expansive golf academy and two-tier driving range, which will provide one of the region's leading practice and learning environments. Designed to cater to golfers of all ages and abilities, the facility will offer high-quality instruction in a warm and welcoming environment, supporting both player development and wider participation in the game.
Russell Hannah, VP, Golf Course Services at IMG, commented:
"We are excited to be part of such a significant project and proud to bring IMG's golf course management expertise to Laos for the first time. Thatluang Lake Golf Resort has all the ingredients to become one of the region's standout golf destinations, combining a world-class Faldo Design course, exceptional construction standards and a clear vision for long-term success."

"Our focus will be on creating outstanding playing conditions and memorable guest experiences from day one, while helping to establish Laos as an attractive destination for international golfers. We also look forward to supporting the growth of grassroots golf and creating opportunities for the next generation of players within the country."

As golf tourism continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Thatluang Lake Golf Resort is expected to play an important role in introducing more international golfers to Laos while creating new opportunities for local players, coaches and the wider golf industry.

The development reflects a shared commitment among all project partners to create a golf facility that combines international standards with a strong foundation for sustainable growth, community engagement and golf development.

With construction progressing toward its anticipated opening in late 2026, Thatluang Lake Golf Resort is poised to become a landmark addition to the regional golf landscape and an exciting new chapter for the game in Laos.

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Two Highland charities have been boosted by a near £70,000 donation from Royal Dornoch.

Members and guests have supported the Captains’ Charity Fund over the last two years, with Gary Bethune and Rosemary Muschamps choosing Mikeysline and, over the last 12 months, the East Sutherland Rescue Association to benefit from various fundraising ventures.

“We didn't set a target but the money that has been raised has surpassed all our expectations,” said Gary, who recently handed over the men’s captaincy role to Tain-based financial advisor Colin Mackay.

“It is amazing just how much has been raised for these two charities, which do such great work in the community.”

Gary presented a £40,000 cheque at the clubhouse to Alistair Greig, fundraising coordinator with Inverness-based mental health charity Mikeysline, while ladies captain Rosemary delighted Antony Hope, chair of Dornoch-based ESRA, with a donation for £28,413.

Rosemary said: “Golfers playing the Championship Course can see the ESRA base on our doorstep near the beach by the 16th tee.

“It is entirely reliant on public support and private funding.

“Auctions at the Captains’ Invitational Weekend and other events were generously supported by donors and bidders, with high figure items including an oil painting by US artist Aimee Smith which she created out on the golf course.”

Emily Stokes, CEO with Mikeysline, a mental health and su***de prevention charity supporting people aged 11 and over across the Highlands and Islands and Moray, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Royal Dornoch and their supporters who have helped make this fundraiser such a success.

“This is a fantastic example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.”

The charity, founded in 2015 following the deaths of friends Martin Shaw and Michael “Mikey” Williamson within 48 hours of each other, has grown beyond its Inverness roots and now provides a range of confidential peer support services 365 days a year, promoting mental health awareness, su***de prevention and wellbeing work in schools and workplaces.

“Golf clubs are at the heart of many communities, and they can play an important role in creating spaces where people feel connected and able to talk,” added Emily.

“For Mikeysline, this support will help us continue to make those conversations happen and reach those who may be struggling in silence.

“This fabulous donation will make a genuine difference to our work, and we’re so proud to have everyone at the club support the mission of Mikeysline, reminding all that it’s ok not to be ok.”

ESRA helmsman Antony, who runs the Dornoch Bookshop, said the donation could not have been timed better, after rescue group volunteers faced hefty bills for repairing one boat damaged during a recent rescue operation, and a replacement engine needed for a smaller vessel.

“It is a fantastic gesture by Royal Dornoch and we are grateful to everyone who contributed. To say we were surprised by the size of the cheque is an understatement,” he said.

“We damaged the gearbox and hull of our big boat when we had no choice but to run aground on a shingle beach to ensure the casualty could get urgent life-saving treatment from the emergency services.

“And then we had to buy a brand-new engine for our smaller boat after it gave out during a large-scale, 12-hour search in the Firth.

“We were facing costs of £15,000 so without this support from the golf club we’d have drained our reserves.”

*The latest golf club donations follow on from earlier Community Fund support which saw more than £15,000 distributed to 35 groups and individuals, and £50,000 given to the town's Common Good Fund every year as part of the long-term lease agreement for the famous links.