“It’s the biggest honor of my life.” That’s how Nathan Smith ’01 described being named captain for the United States ahead of the 50th Walker Cup at the famed Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California.
Smith, an Allegheny College Hall of Famer, is taking part in his fourth Walker Cup on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7. A three-time representative of the U.S. as a player in 2009, 2011, and 2013, the Pittsburgh native called this year’s match his greatest achievement in the sport.
“Being on three teams, I was beyond honored,” he said. “But being asked to captain the Walker Cup, it’s amazing.
Any time you have a chance to represent your country is beyond exciting, but to be asked to be the Walker Cup captain is something far beyond my wildest dreams that I didn’t think would ever happen. I am completely honored.
Smith will lead a group of 10 of the top amateur golfers in the two-day event, which he described as the amateur version of the Ryder Cup. Traditionally a biennial competition, the Walker Cup is regarded as one of the premier amateur events in the world of golf. This year marks its 50th edition. It was founded in 1922 by former United States Golf Association (USGA) president George Herbert Walker, grandfather of President George H.W. Bush, to pit the best from the U.S. against Great Britain and Ireland. The U.S. leads the all-time series 39-9-1 and is looking to secure its fifth consecutive victory. In 2023, the American side defeated its international counterparts 14.5 to 11.5 at the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland.
One of Smith’s many responsibilities as captain was helping to pick this year’s team, which includes eight collegiate golfers from the top Division I programs in the country and likely several future stars. Alumni of the Walker Cup include some of the most decorated names in the sport, such as Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods.
“You’re in charge of picking the players along with a committee,” Smith said. “You’re kind of out watching them, scouting them the last few years, and getting to know the coaches and families.”
Smith also noted that he has a “big hand in logistics” surrounding the match, including planning dinners and organizing practice rounds. He is also in charge of the matchups. The Walker Cup consists of alternate-shot matches in the morning sessions and singles in the afternoon.
“I’m kind of in charge of all of it,” he said.
At Allegheny, Smith completed a remarkable career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. He earned individual medalist honors at the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) championship tournament on three occasions and was a two-time Regional Player of the Year. In each of his four years, Smith received All-America honors and led the men’s golf team to top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. The national runner-up as a senior in 2001, he also excelled in the classroom, earning a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and a pair of Academic All-America awards.
Smith, who was inducted in the Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame in 2015, called his time at Allegheny the foundation of a successful career that includes four U.S. Mid-Amateur championships and Walker Cup victories in 2009 and 2013.
“I loved being at Allegheny, I loved the teammates I played with, and I loved the coaches,” he said.
Fans can watch the 50th Walker Cup on Peacock from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. The Golf Channel will also provide extended coverage from 7 to 10 p.m. ET on both days.
Photo Credit: James Gilbert
