What does it actually feel like to play in the Walker Cup?
For Episode 6 of the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series, Paddy is joined by John Murphy, who represented Great Britain and Ireland at the 2021 Walker Cup at Seminole Golf Club.
John takes us inside the week and tells the story of finding out he had made the team in one of the most unusual ways possible.
He found the selection email in his spam folder.
From there, it was a week of nerves, anticipation, team bonding and ultimately playing some of the biggest golf of his amateur career.
John talks about arriving at Seminole, the incredible hospitality from the members, and how the course became even more intimidating the more they learned about it.
He also goes deep on playing alongside Mark Power, a partnership that had been developing since their Irish underage days.
Their second day of foursomes started in extraordinary fashion.
Birdie. Birdie. Eagle.
Three up after three against Pearson Coody and John Pak.
John explains what it felt like to walk onto the first tee with the Walker Cup finally becoming real, the presence of President George W. Bush, the nerves, and the moment he and Mark realised they were living out something they had dreamed about for years.
He also talks honestly about the other side of Walker Cup golf.
The pressure of knowing every point matters.
The four foot putt on the 17th.
And the feeling of letting yourself and your teammates down when it didn't go in.
With the 2026 Walker Cup now coming to Lahinch, John looks ahead to what could be an unforgettable week in Clare, why Lahinch is such a unique match play venue and why he believes the weather could play a huge role.
From the team room to the first tee, from Seminole to Lahinch, this is the Walker Cup from someone who has actually lived it.
Episode 6 of 7 in the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series.
Listen back to previous episodes at:
The PaddyTalks Golf Podcast is POWERED BY ForeGolf Custom.
For your own tour level custom fitting experience, visit www.foregolf.ie and book your fitting today.
","author_name":"PaddyTalks Golf"}