Internationals seize Bridges Cup lead after opening day at demanding Trump Turnberry

The Internationals seized the lead after the opening day of the fourth Bridges Cup at Trump Turnberry in Scotland. After three straight victories by the American team in the event’s previous editions, the Internationals finished Monday with a 6.5–3.5 advantage.

The Americans won the first two morning matches: Scott Anderson and Hoyt McGarity won the opening fourball match 3 and 2, while Cody Massa and DJ Lantz won 1 up. The Internationals then swept the final three matches of the session. Jacob Austin and Lukas Michel won 4 and 3, Jonathan Bale and Dan Faccini won 3 and 2, and Gavin Dear and Josh Jamieson delivered the session’s most decisive result, winning 6 and 5.

Jamieson made three birdies in the first five holes. Dear helped Scotland win the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship and represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup the following year. Michel, an Australian, became the first International player to win the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 2019.

The Internationals led 3–2 after the morning session. The matches were played on Trump Turnberry’s King Robert the Bruce course. Although the neighboring Ailsa course is better known and ranks No. 18 in GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World, King Robert the Bruce provided a demanding test for both teams.

Gorse tight to the fairways and greens demanded precision, while mistakes on exposed holes, guarded approaches and contoured greens proved costly. Drizzle, cold and wind added to the challenge in the afternoon.

The Internationals continued to extend their advantage in the afternoon foursomes. Angus Carrick and Calum Hill won the opening match 5 and 4 without ever trailing. Andrew Davidson and James White followed with a 3-and-2 victory.

Caolan Rafferty and Colm Campbell did not move ahead of Dennis Bull and Andrew Price until the 17th hole, then held on to win 1 up. Rafferty represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 2019 Walker Cup, while Campbell won the Irish Amateur Open in 2016 and 2022.

The Americans responded in the final two matches. Drew Stoltz and Pete Tomasulo won 1 up, while Drew Kittleson and John Peterson halved their match with Bale and Faccini to secure another half-point. Kittleson was runner-up in the 2008 U.S. Amateur, while Peterson won the 2011 NCAA individual championship at LSU.

“We couldn’t ask for more than being three up after the first two sessions,” International vice captain Darragh Coghlan said. “What I learned about my team today is that they are very good at golf. I watched some spectacular golf and am really proud of the boys. They performed admirably.”

U.S. captain Jeff Fujimoto said: “The matches were close. Some of the other team’s players made a few more putts than we did. Tomorrow is a big day. We have to figure out the pairings and have a strong day.”

The competition moves to Ailsa on Tuesday for another five fourball and five foursomes matches, before 12 singles matches decide the Bridges Cup on Wednesday. Tuesday’s opening fourball match tees off at 8:20 a.m. local time. With 22 points still available, the Americans have ample opportunity to respond. But after one day on Scotland’s coast, the Internationals have given themselves a strong platform in pursuit of their first Bridges Cup title.