Ross Township's Nathan Smith to captain 2025 U.S. Walker Cup team

An exemplary amateur golfer in the Pittsburgh area for decades, Nathan Smith can cross another accomplishment off his career bucket list.

And this is a big one.

Smith, a Brookville native who lives in Ross Township, was selected by the United States Golf Association to captain the 2025 U.S. Walker Cup team.

The former NCAA Division III All-American and Allegheny College hall of famer will lead the 10-man amateur team against Great Britain and Ireland Sept. 6-7, 2025, at at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Smith, 43, has won a record four U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships, along with the inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship — with partner Todd White — in 2015. Smith has played in 48 USGA championships, including three Walker Cup teams, in 2009, ‘11 and 13.

He earned the match-clinching point for the Americans in 2013 at National Golf Links of America in Southampton, N.Y.

“Historically, I understand that there is no greater honor than being named captain of the USA Walker Cup team,” Smith said in a news release. “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.”

Smith is 3-4-1 as a player in the Walker Cup.

The USGA selected Mike McCoy, of Des Moines, Iowa, to lead the 2023 team that will play the 49th match Sept. 2-3, at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, the first time the Walker Cup has been to the birthplace of golf since 1975.

“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. We congratulate each of them on an honor well deserved and look forward to watching them lead two talented USA Teams.”