Scottish golfers start 2026 campaign in top US amateur event

The prestigious event, held at Ocean Forest Golf Club, has produced some notable winners since it was launched in 2001, including Patrick Reed, Justin Thomas, Corey Conners, Akshay Bhatia and Ludvig Aberg.

Among those aiming to get their hands on the trophy on this occasion - the 54-hole event starts on Friday - are California-based Niall Shiels Donegan, Deeside’s Oli Blackadder and Brodie Cunningham of Bothwell Castle.

The trio are all at college in the US, where Shiels Donegan is a junior at North Carolina, Blackadder is a freshman at East Tennessee State while Cunningham is in his sophomore year at Nebraska.

Mill Valley member Shiels Donegan is listed in the 84-man field as representing the US, but, as has been the case in recent years, including last year’s Walker Cup at Cypress Point, he will be flying the Saltire with pride.

As will Blackadder and Cunningham, both of whom were part of the Scottish side that won the Boys’ Home Internationals last year for the first time in a decade with a title triumph at Cork Golf Club.

Blackadder, meanwhile, was the sole Scot selected for Great Britain & Ireland in the 2025 Jacques Leglise Trophy against Continental Europe in Belgium.

In last year’s Jones Cup Invitational, Cameron Adam produced an eye-catching effort as the Royal Burgess left-hander tied for 12th in an event won by American Gray Albright.

Adam went on to win the St Andrews Links Trophy and qualified for The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush before securing a DP World Tour card for this season through a Global Amateur Pathway.

Connor Graham and Calum Scott also flew the Saltire in last year’s event, finishing joint-37th and joint-80th respectively in a strong field.

Other players in the line up for this edition include Luke Poulter, son of LIV Golf player Ian, and John Daly II, son of major winner John.