US resist strong fightback to retain Walker Cup

LONDON, Sep 9 (Reuters) The United States retained the Walker Cup on Sunday after resisting a determined fightback from Britain&Ireland to win by 12 1/2 points to 11 1/2.

The US established a 10-6 lead following a clean sweep of the four morning foursomes -- the first of its kind in 10 years -- at Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

The home golfers came out fighting at the start of the remaining eight singles matches with Rory McIlroy, Rhys Davies and Lloyd Saltman all winning their contests before Danny Willett buried a 20-footer on the last to halve with Colt Knost of the United States.

With the US leading by 10 1/2 points to 9 1/2, Jamie Lovemark put the visitors back in control with victory over Jamie Moul.

The home side were still in with a chance when Irishman Jonny Caldwell beat Kyle Stanley to reduce the arrears to one point again.

But Jonathan Moore wrapped up the US victory with a superb eagle on the 18th to seal the victory.

David Horsey beat American Webb Simpson to bring the home side to within a point of the visitors in the last singles.

Britain&Ireland had won three of the last four contests and had not lost at home for 16 years.

REUTERS TB RN0041