A determined American team won the ninth Simpson Cup in style, romping home by a scoreline of 13-5 to regain the trophy they surrendered at St Andrews back in 2019. They arrived at The Creek on Wednesday in good shape, having taken a 5-1 lead in the fourball matches the day before, and Todd Tongue's charges got the job done in the singles to edge the USA into a 5-4 series lead over the Brits.

It means the US have now won four out of the last five Simpson Cups, and Tongue was understandably thrilled by the efforts of his team this week.

"My guys have been right up for it from the first tee shot yesterday morning," the delighted captain beamed. "Credit to the GB guys - they pushed us hard, especially yesterday in the fourball matches. But when it was needed, our guys stepped up to the plate, and I'm so proud of the way they saw it through today."

He added: "We'll be celebrating long into the night - that Cup is a nice big receptacle to drink from!"

As for Team GB skipper Greig Phillips, the disappointment was clear, but so to was the enjoyment factor after a memorable week at a spectacular golf course.

"Congratulations to Todd and his side, they were excellent today, and thoroughly deserved their win," he commented graciously. "We gave it everything, although it was always going to be difficult after some close games went against us yesterday. But the lads never gave up, and I'm really proud of them.

"Most importantly, this week has been a great advert for the event and the On Course Foundation, and we'd like to thank The Creek for all they've done for us."

At the beginning of the day, Phillips made the shrewd decision to load up his most in-form players upfront, and it appeared to be working. In the first match, GB's Gregg Stevenson powered to a 7&6 victory over Nick Kimmel - incidentally, making it four out of four in singles for the big man.



Scotland's Chris Paterson also claimed a big scalp, beating Idaho's Chad Pfeifer 5&3 in the third group. And although the second match went the way of the Americans (Jake Nelson winning 4&3 against John Devlin), Mike Browne looked on course for a point against Tongue, having reached the 11th hole 6 up. However, the tenacious Tongue began an impressive comeback, reducing the deficit to one heading up 18. His closing par was good enough for a half point, and it put the USA on course for a big victory, with much of the leaderboard below looking red.

The points came thick and fast for the hosts, with Marty Caraway (2&1) and Russ Normandin (7&6) getting Ws. But it was Billy Paul's 3&2 triumph over Mark Thompson which saw them reach an unassailable points total of 9.5, and it was at that point that the celebrations could begin for watching players and spectators.

Sam Stoddart (6&5) offered the Brits some respite having played sterling golf, while Dave Onions secured a half in his match with Shauna Snyder (the first female to represent Team USA). But the Americans put the gloss on the scoreline with wins for Jesse Williamson (2 up), Mike Stafford (4&3) and Steve Ogletree (4&3) in the bottom matches, and it completed the 13-5 rout which equals the record they set at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

So to the victors, the spoils, and the Americans will cherish this one, with the celebrations already in full flow. Once again, both sides have exhibited the camaraderie and bonhomie synonymous with this great tournament, with friendships renewed, and memories made.

We'd also like to extend a huge thank you to The Creek, who were incredible hosts, and whose hospitality has been exemplary. And to boot, for all involved with the Simpson Cup to experience this iconic golf course has been a real privilege. We hope to be back again in the future. But, in the meantime, roll on 2022!