Hendrix Undefeated in Walker Cup

Sept. 8, 2003

Clemson senior Matt Hendrix posted a 2-0-1 individual record, but it was not enough to lead the United States to victory in the 2003 Walker Cup Matches played at Ganton Golf Club in Ganton, England. The Great Britain and Ireland team defeated the United States 12 1/2 to 11 1/2 on the par 71 course that is 6,894 yards in length.

It was the third straight victory for Great Britain and Ireland in the event that is competed every two years. The United States still holds the overall series lead 31-7-1. It was the closest competition since 1989.

Hendrix started his weekend on Saturday when he halved his singles match with Stuart Wilson. On Sunday morning he combined with University of Washington product Brock Mackenzie to defeat Noel Fox and Colin Moriarty 6 and 5 in alternate shot competition. Mackenzie was the only other United States golfer to go undefeated in the competition, as he posted a 3-0 record for the weekend.

Hendrix then capped his weekend on Sunday with a 5 and 4 victory over Wilson. Hendrix went five up through 11 holes, then closed out the match on the 14th hole. It was the largest margin of victory for a United States player on Sunday. Hendrix victory tied the overall competition at 10-10, but the US was defeated 2.5-1.5 in the remaining four matches on the course after Hendrix finished.

Hendrix performance was the best ever by a former Tiger in the Walker Cup. It marked the third straight Walker Cup in which a Clemson golfer competed for the United States. Jonathan Byrd played for the US in 1999, while D.J. Trahan and Lucas Glover played on the 2001 team. Former Tiger Richard Coughlan played for the Great Britain and Ireland team in 1997.