Nathan Smith to captain 2025 Walker Cup team

Decorated district amateur golfer Nathan Smith was named captain of the United States Walker Cup team for 2025, the USGA announced Wednesday.

Smith, 43, who is from Brookville and lives in Pittsburgh, will guide the American team against Great Britain and Ireland when the match, played in odd-numbered years, is staged at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Each team features 10 top amateurs from their respective nations. The ‘25 match will be Sept. 6-7.

Smith won four U.S. Mid-Amateur titles (2003, ‘09, ‘10 and ‘12) and the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Often referenced as one of the premier amateur players to come out of this area, alongside the likes of Oakmont’s Sean Knapp, Smith played on three Walker Cup teams in 2009, ‘11 and ‘13.

He picked up the match-clinching point in ‘13 at National Golf Links of America in Southhampton, N.Y.

“Historically, I understand that there is no greater honor than being named captain of the USA Walker Cup Team,” Smith told the USGA. “I am ecstatic at the opportunity to lead this team at such a historic and storied venue. Providing the winning point for the USA during the 2013 match is a memory I will never forget, and that accomplished feeling is something I’m focused on providing for the team in 2025.”

In Pennsylvania circles, Smith has carried a man-to-beat status for years. He is a former Division III All-American at Allegheny College.

Mike McCoy of Des Moines, Iowa, was named the U.S. captain for the 2023 Walker Cup. He won the 2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur title at age 50.

“Both Mike and Nathan have long, exceptional histories with the USGA and outstanding amateur golf resumes,” said USGA president Stu Francis. “Given the historic nature of the next two matches being staged at St. Andrews and Cypress Point, we wanted to give both of them the time to enjoy this leadership opportunity and plan their next few years accordingly. “