Ross golfer Nathan Smith to serve as captain in amateur's East West Matches

Ross Township’s Nathan Smith, a decorated amateur golfer and six-time USGA champion, is going to get used to having the word captain in front of his name.

Smith was selected as captain of the East team for the 2024 East West Matches to be played Nov. 1-3, at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas.

The Ryder Cup-style matches began in 2020 and are played every two years.

Brady Exber, a Las Vegas resident and minority partner of the Houston Astros, will lead the West.

Smith already has been tabbed captain of the 2025 U.S. Walker Cup team. The Walker Cup will be played Sept. 6-7, 2025, at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Smith, a winner of four U.S. Mid-Amateur titles along with U.S. Amateur Four-Ball USGA State team wins, played on three Walker Cup teams.

“I am pumped to be able to serve as a captain in the East West Matches with my old pal Brady,” Smith said in a USGA news release. “This event is like going to a family barbeque but with great golf from great players at a great venue. The competition will be intense but fun. I am honored to help make it another memorable event.”

The 18-player East West teams will be announced in August and September of 2024.

Each team usually consists of six seniors, 10 mid-amateurs and two amateurs under 25.

The format for the three-day event includes eight four-ball matches, 16 foursome matches and 18 singles matches.

The Mississippi River is the dividing line between East and West teams.