The United States regained the Walker Cup on Long Island last night with a ruthless performance that left Great Britain and Ireland with little chance.

Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup captain Nigel Edwards wants Waterford Castle’s Kevin Phelan and The Island’s Gavin Moynihan to be his silent assassins when they defend the trophy in New York in less than three weeks’ time.

Chinese schoolboy Guan Tianlang, at 14 the youngest player in Masters history, carded a first round of 73 today to lead the contest to finish top amateur at Augusta National yesterday.