Opening Golf to the World
Walker Cup
How Dean Robertson is preparing for the Walker Cup at Lahinch
14 Aug 26
4 mins
The Walker Cup is the pinnacle of men’s amateur golf. For Great Britain and Ireland Captain Dean Robertson, it is a match he knows well.
As the first former professional golfer to captain the side, Robertson brings extensive experience to the team as he prepares his players for the 2026 match against the United States of America at Lahinch. With the GB&I team set to be officially announced on Tuesday 18 August, Robertson's focus is on shaping the ten players selected. This follows the 50th Walker Cup match at Cypress Point in 2025, where a dominant Sunday singles display from the Americans led to a final score of USA 17, GB&I 9. The 56-year-old's approach is heavily guided by his own playing career. In 1993, he earned a place on the GB&I team that competed at Interlachen Country Club in Minnesota, playing alongside Pádraig Harrington and fellow countryman, Raymond Russell. Facing an American side that included future Champion Golfer of the Year Justin Leonard, Robertson secured a memorable 3&2 singles victory over American amateur legend Jay Sigel. After turning professional, he went on to win the 1999 Italian Open on the European Tour - beating Harrington by a single stroke - before representing Scotland alongside Colin Montgomerie at the World Cup of Golf later that year.
Dean Robertson after winning the 1999 Fiat and Fila Italian Open Golf.
Now leading the next generation of talent, Robertson notes how much his perspective has changed since his days as a competitor.
He said, "I probably didn't realise the enormity of the experience back in 1993 because you're so tunnel-visioned. The players will be like that, but a big part of what I'll tell them is that these are times they will cherish forever. Go out there and enjoy them."
Rather than letting his team focus too much on the pressure of a home match at Lahinch this autumn, Robertson encourages a broader, more relaxed outlook. He openly admits that his own professional career was shaped by learning from his mistakes, a view shared by his support team.
He explains, "In my journey, I learned by making mistakes, and our support team has decades of experience doing the same. We can often become so driven by outcomes that we forget to enjoy it. My advice is to be invested in the process of what allows you to be at your best. If players focus on what they can control, everything else happens as a byproduct."
This approach is particularly important in a sport where players lose far more often than they win. Robertson points to modern professional examples to help his players keep their expectations in context.
He says, "Happiness shouldn't be measured by outcomes. Someone like Rory McIlroy might play 25 events and win three times on average, meaning you lose a lot in golf. Focus on what you can control and being the best you can be, and you'll enjoy the journey."
Dean Robertson speaking at the opening ceremony of the 50th Walker Cup match last year.
The amateur game has changed significantly since Robertson was playing in the early 1990s. Today's players possess greater speed and physical conditioning, but the Captain believes the most important development is the widespread use of sports psychology.
He explains, "Younger players now have much stronger skill sets, speed, and support across lifestyle, conditioning, and mental skills. Back in the day, speaking to a psychologist was seen as a weakness, but now everyone works on their mindset. Many are already ready to transition to the professional ranks."
As the match at Lahinch approaches, the Captain is looking for a strong, competitive attitude from his players, recalling that he shared a similar mindset during his playing days.
He recalls, "I was never afraid as a player - especially when it came to shooting low scores and keeping that momentum going. That’s what I want to see from them."
He believes this competitive approach can be found amongst the current group of players as they prepare to face the USA on the Irish links.
He said, "Luke Poulter is a real leader for the Florida Gators, and these players are fearless. They don't have any scar tissue or negative baggage. Cypress Point was tough, but we have reset and we're back on home terms. We'll have them ready."
The Great Britain and Ireland team for the 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch will be announced on Tuesday 18 August.