Lahinch will host Walker Cup for the first time

 Jon Rahm of Spain at Lahinch in 2019

Lahinch Golf Club will host the Walker Cup for the first time after being awarded the event for 2026.

The links course on the north-west coast of County Clare, where Jon Rahm won the Irish Open four years ago, is next in line after St Andrews this year and Cypress Point in 2025 and will host the biennial competition a year early to avoid the World Amateur Team Championships in 2027.

We are honoured to be confirmed as the host club for the 2026 Walker Cup.

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇮🇪 @RandA pic.twitter.com/vCU8ECmneO

— Lahinch Golf Club (@LahinchGolfClub) July 10, 2023

"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 Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A.

Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly welcomed the announcement.  "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.

"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."

The South of Ireland Amateur Championship, first initiated in 1895, remains a staple annual event at Lahinch. Previous champions include Joe Carr, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, and Graeme McDowell. 

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.