One of the constants over the past 10 years has been the incredible support of our sponsors at the Simpson Cup. And once again, the ability for On Course Foundation USA to stage it is thanks to their continued generosity - along with all the help provided to us by Baltusrol and its members.

The traditional Monday Player/Sponsor competition provides an opportunity for us to connect our supporters with the beneficiaries of their donations: the Simpson Cup players. Perhaps more importantly, it allows them to get a first-hand glimpse of how their sponsorship has made such a difference to the lives of these injured and sick veterans.

Today was no exception, as was clear with the fervor and bonhomie on display on the putting green beforehand. Everyone then scattered to their allocated tee for the 9am shotgun start, and set about getting to grips with the historic Lower Course in warm conditions. For the players, it was also a chance to get a look at this impressive layout, where they will return for the Singles matches on Wednesday.

Today's competition saw each group playing in a Scramble, with some good numbers posted on the day. In the end it was the contingent of Peter Brannon, Bernard Markey, the Maidstone Club duo of John Baptiste and David McCreery, and Team GB's Andy Stevens who took the spoils - shooting a remarkable score of 17-under par.



Tuesday fourball pairings revealed

Amid the camaraderie of a very enjoyable morning, there was also the sense among the players that they were beginning to turn their attention to the serious business of the upcoming two days. The time for preparation is now complete, with the six fourball matches getting under way tomorrow at the Upper Course (commencing at 8am ET).

Following the rules briefing, captains Marty Caraway (Team USA) and Dave Ward (Team GB) announced their pairings (see screenshot below), and, in terms of notable match-ups, there is no shortage to choose from. Look no further than the second group, which features scratch-golfer amputees Mike Browne (GB) and Chad Pfeifer (USA).

However, there is strength and depth across all six matches, with a number of enticing duels that will surely go down to the wire. For the Brits, who come into this year's event off the back of a defeat at The Creek last year, the need for a fast start on Tuesday is particularly acute. But in this format, history is on the side of Caraway's charges, with the Americans having racked up a commanding 34 points in the fourball matches (out of a possible 54) since 2012, so the host nation will be confident that they can lay down a marker in their quest for another victory.

There is also extra significance this week, as one of the captains will be the first to lift the newly-named Ben Simpson Trophy. It is our way of remembering founder John Simpson's son, who sadly passed away at the age of just 39 in January. As someone who was so passionate about the Simpson Cup, it is safe to say Ben would be as excited as the rest of us about the epic two days of golf that lie ahead.

You can keep track of the live scoring on Tuesday and Wednesday, by clicking here. Additionally, the Team GB and Team USA Twitter accounts, along with our Instagram account, will bring it all to your screen, as it happens. Take it all in folks - Simpson Cup 2022 is ready for lift off!