Golf Ireland has welcomed the announcement that the Walker Cup will take place at Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare in September 2026.
The links course hosted the Irish Open in 2019, won by subsequent US Open and US Masters Champion Jon Rahm, and was in the spotlight over the weekend when club member Áine Donegan became the headline story at the US Women’s Open.
Located on the scenic northwest coast of County Clare, the high-profile match between Great Britain and Ireland and USA is the pinnacle of amateur golf.
It has been staged twice before in Ireland at Royal County Down Golf Club in 2007 and at Portmarnock in 1991.
The last three stagings on this side of the Atlantic have been or will be at St Andrews, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham, all staples on the Open Championship roster.
That tournament, one of Golf’s four global major events will be staged at Portrush in 2025 and the Ryder Cup will return here to Adare Manor in 2027.
“Lahinch Golf Club’s reputation as one of Ireland’s premier links courses is well-deserved. Hosting the Walker Cup for the first time in its history, the anticipation among golf enthusiasts will be palpable,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“We have always been privileged to witness tremendous support from Irish fans at our championships and international matches. We anticipate a vibrant atmosphere and a fantastic spectator turnout in 2026.”
“Lahinch is widely regarded as being one of the finest links courses in Ireland and so there will be great excitement at the prospect of the Walker Cup being played there for the very first time,” said The R&A Chief Development Officer Phil Anderton.
The scheduling of the match in 2026 ensures it will not coincide with the World Amateur Team Championships, and it will continue to be held biennially thereafter.
