In a rain-soaked afternoon at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Michigan, Team USA held off a gallant fight from its European counterpart to secure back-to-back victories in The Cairns Cup, disability golf’s premier match play event.
After three gruelling days of golf played in 30-degree heat, the match finished 12.5- 11.5 in the home side’s favour, with Team USA’s Brandon Williams sinking the winning putt to claim a narrow victory.
Day one began with a 4-2 lead to the USA after the foursomes, with Europe taking the honours on day two to reduce the deficit to just a single point.
Day three began with the hosts still requiring 5.5 points to retain the cup and six for outright victory. However, it was Rutger Pranger of the Netherlands who put the first match to bed, levelling the scores.
FLURRY OF RED ON THE SCOREBOARD
But following an interruption in play for the forecasted lightning, USA weathered the storm in the early afternoon, putting a flurry of red on the scoreboard.
Brandon Williams, unaware of the magnitude of the putt he faced, was a picture of calm as he watched his ball disappear into the cup to seal the win.
Asked how he felt to secure his country’s win on home soil, he said: “Amazing, it’s awesome! It is a dream come true! This event has demonstrated that the world of disability golf now has its own stage on which to grow the game of golf.”
The Cairns Cup returns to Europe in 2026.
For more information, visit www.thecairnscup.com
