After two days of Ryder Cup styled competition at the Congressional Country Club, Maryland, Team USA has won the 2014 Simpson Cup by three points finishing 10½ to GB’s 7½. This is the first time that the US Team has been victorious and the win sets them up nicely to level the competition at Royal St George’s in September 2015.
The event which takes place annually between 12 On Course Foundation members from the USA and Great Britain has grown significantly in stature since it was launched in 2012 at TPC Sawgrass. Founder John Simpson commented, “The Simpson Cup is a great tool for raising awareness and vital funds for the On Course Foundation and this year’s event has been a huge success. This event also has shows just how far our injured On Course Foundation members have come.”
After the fourballs on Day 1, Team USA had a narrow overnight lead of 3½ to 2½. Team GB were optimistic about their performance in the Singles on Day 2, but despite an unbeaten record in previous competitions, Team USA went on to take the win when former member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Sean Whitmore sank his putt on the 17th. The 10½ to 7½ final score doesn’t bear testament to how close the competition was throughout competition, with many matches going down to the wire.
Winning, however is not the only motivation for On Course Foundation members as this year’s GB Captain Gregg Stevenson explains, “It means everything to be part of a tournament like this,” said the 30-year-old, who lost both his legs whilst serving in the 24 Commando Regiment in Afghanistan, “When I got injured I never thought I’d be doing anything like this. Maybe a wheelchair sport but to get the chance to play a sport where I can play against anybody is unbelievable. I am proud of all my teammates and know that we will come back fighting next year at Royal St George’s.”
A sentiment echoed by On Course Foundation and Simpson Cup Founder and Chairman John Simpson, “Their performance both on and off the golf course has been exemplary, and their attitude, even in defeat, has been outstanding. Although team GB are all disappointed, the result is not the most important factor here, it’s what can be achieved through the game of golf. There is great competition and camaraderie during the event but ultimately our goal is to give these guys a chance, give them experience and hopefully a future within the golf industry.”
Undoubtedly passions and competition will be at an all time high when the US Team comes to the UK next year to defend its title at Royal St George’s in September 2015.
For more information, please visit www.oncoursefoundation.com/simpson-cup/