The Americans reclaimed the Arnold Palmer Cup in a dominant fashion, winning the prestigious event for the second year in a row and the third time in the last four tournaments. Team USA emerged victorious in the Sunday Singles, defeating the International squad 14½-9½, with a final margin of 32½-27½. Leading the charge for the Americans was World No. 1 amateur Gordon Sargent, who secured a decisive 5-and-4 victory over Bastien Amat.
Melanie Green, who recently made history by becoming the first American in 28 years to win the Women’s Amateur Championship in Europe, and Rachel Kuehn, a key player for Team USA in international competitions, also earned points for their team in the singles matches. Jackson Koivun, Preston Summerhays, Anna Morgan, and Latanna Stone were among the final four American players who clinched victories to secure the Palmer Cup trophy. Mar Kelly Mulcahy, a Division II player at Findlay, made history by becoming the fourth American to go 4-0 in the Palmer Cup since 2018.
The United States extended its lead in the Palmer Cup series to 15-12-1 with this victory, marking their first win on international soil since 2018. The Arnold Palmer Cup, a Ryder Cup-style competition featuring collegiate golfers from the United States and their International counterparts, has been a closely contested event over the years. The Americans displayed exceptional skill and teamwork to secure the win, showcasing their dominance in junior golf on the international stage.
The Internationals had initially taken the lead after the opening day of play, but the Americans rallied back on Saturday to level the competition heading into the singles matches. Auburn rising sophomore Anna Davis added to the excitement of the final day by making a hole-in-one on the par-3 16th hole, ending a ten-year drought since her last ace. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by both teams throughout the event highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit of collegiate golf.
The Arnold Palmer Cup continues to be a prestigious tournament that showcases the talents of young golfers from around the world. Team USA’s victory in 2024 reaffirms their status as a powerhouse in junior golf, with a roster of talented players who excel on both the national and international stage. The Americans’ success on international soil underscores their ability to perform under pressure and deliver top-notch performances when it matters most.
The Arnold Palmer Cup victory marks a significant milestone for Team USA, as they add another chapter to their storied history in the competition. The dedication, hard work, and teamwork displayed by the American players exemplifies the values of sportsmanship and excellence that are synonymous with the Palmer Cup. With promising young talents like Gordon Sargent, Melanie Green, and Mary Kelly Mulcahy leading the way, the future looks bright for Team USA in junior golf and beyond.
