The putt that changed everything: USA's emotional Simpson Cup triumph

It was an emotional return to the top for Team USA and a special one on home soil at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Their last outright win came at the post-Covid event in 2021 at The Creek, Locust Valley, in New York State. 

After that, the team from Great Britain won back the silverware in New Jersey in 2022 and there followed two incredible years where the competition was tied, at Royal Lytham and St Anne's in 2023, and Shinnecock Hills in 2024. 

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2025's outing was shared between Prince's Golf Club and Royal St George's in Kent, where the GB team beat the Americans 12-7.

Day One Fourballs 

The home side came out strong and edged a dramatic fourballs on day one, taking the overnight lead 4-2. 

USA captain Jacob Nelson partnered Marty Caraway in the opening match, where Nelson watched the former skipper produce a scintillating display, eventually dispatching professional golfer Mike Browne and rookie Chris Platts by a 6&5 margin.

In match two, Eli Villanueva and Charles Young looked destined to double the American advantage, sitting pretty at two up with two holes remaining, but GB teammates Chris Paterson and Ryan Burton had other ideas. 

Paterson's chip at the 17th and Burton's sublime approach on the 18th snatched them an unlikely half-point. 

The pairing of Simpson Cup debutants Mark Drummond and Peter Roberts were the only GB duo to paint the board blue on day one, claiming a hard-fought 2&1 victory over Russ Normandin and Rich Reggero. 

Chad Pfeifer and Nick Kimmel were in control throughout their encounter with Kushal Limbu and Steve Dickinson, sealing a 3&2 victory in match four. 

It was another even split in match five where the American pairing of Cole Paulk and Justin Lynn battled back against the British duo of Ian Bishop and Vikrant Gurung. 

The standout moment of the day though, came in the anchor match where the USA's Jason Leap, playing alongside Tim Lang, faced a nerve-jangling eight-foot putt on the 18th green. 

He held his nerve to secure a one-up victory over GB captain Neil Flynn and Dave Ward, sending the American supporters into celebration.

For USA captain Jacob Nelson, it was a crucial result in a day that went largely to plan.

"I'm incredibly proud of the guys. We played some fantastic golf today, but we know the job's only half done. There's still a lot of golf ahead of us."

Day Two Singles 

There was red all over the scoreboard early doors on day two, with the USA'S Norbie Lara setting the tone by dispatching Tom James in the opening match (5&4).

Jacob Nelson produced an emphatic victory over his opposite number Neil Flynn in the eagerly anticipated battle of the captains (5&3). 

Tim Lang and Marty Caraway also recorded convincing wins over Peter Roberts (3&2) and Ryan Burton (3&2) as the American charge gathered serious momentum.

But those who know, know never to write off the British when it comes to the Simpson Cup. 

The visitors had, after all, arrived at Shady Oaks boasting an impressive 90-72 historical advantage in singles matches. 

Gurkha Vikrant Gurung provided the initial spark, producing an outstanding performance to defeat Cole Paulk and register Britain's first Singles point (5&4).

Dave Ward and Kushal Limbu both overturned deficits to claim excellent victories over Rich Reggero (2&1) and Eli Villanueva (3&1) respectively, while Chris Platts battled his way to a valuable half-point against Charles Young.

Simpson Cup GB stalwart Ian Bishop nearly mounted a remarkable comeback but eventually lost to Justin Lynn. 

Further red points came courtesy of Chad Pfeifer, who defeated Mike Browne, and Russ Normandin, who closed out a two-up victory over Mark Drummond. 

Steve Dickinson secured another blue point for the visitors against Nick Kimmel (2&1) but it was that man Jason Leap, who sealed the deal for the Americans. 

Locked in battle with British powerhouse Chris Paterson, who boasted an extraordinary unbeaten Simpson Cup record of eight wins and three halves, Leap did something that no-one else had managed. 

He closed out a 2&1 victory, ending Paterson's remarkable undefeated run, and celebrated an American victory, the first one in five years, in his hometown of Fort Worth. 

GB captain Neil Flynn was gracious in defeat saying: "Full credit to Jacob and Team USA. They played some outstanding golf and thoroughly deserved their victory.

"Of course we're disappointed not to be taking the trophy home, but I'm immensely proud of our lads and the way they battled throughout. It's been a fantastic week, and we've made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime."

With the overall series now tied at 7-7, the stage is set for another fascinating encounter next year at The Maidstone Club.

A landmark week for the Simpson Cup – on and off the course

Head of Content and Media for the Simpson Cup Mike Todt said: "We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Shady Oaks Country Club, whose hospitality, generosity and unwavering support have made the 2026 event such an extraordinary success.

"Not only have we been privileged to compete on a magnificent golf course, but the club and its supporters have helped us raise a record amount of money during the week – a truly remarkable achievement.

"Those funds will be hugely significant as On Course Foundation looks to establish a new base in Fort Worth as part of its ambitious Texas Initiative, creating new opportunities for wounded, injured and sick veterans to rebuild their confidence, develop new skills and find a pathway forward through golf.

"It is a legacy that will endure long after the final putt went in. And that, ultimately, is what makes the Simpson Cup so special."

The Simpson Cup 

The Simpson Cup is an annual tournament between teams of 13 injured service personnel and veterans from the USA and their British counterparts.

The Ryder Cup-style tournament showcases the unique position of golf as one of the few sports where players of all skills and abilities can play together on a level playing field, because of the official golf handicap system.

The tournament is named after its founder, John Simpson MBE, who has only one fully-functioning leg as a result of suffering from polio as a child.