The Walker Cup 2025 was a true show of class and sportsmanship. While both Team USA and Team GB&I displayed feats of brilliance, it was the American roster that claimed the trophy with their commanding win. Supporting the youths through their win, many past winners jumped in the wagon with their quiet direction. However, it was the LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau who truly captured hearts with his passionate pep talk.

Recently, US Amateur and Walker Cup member, Mason Howell, joined the Smylie Show with Smylie Kaufman. The pair discussed Howell’s skyrocketing golf career and the Cypress Point showdown. That’s when Kaufman asked how the scene looked behind the blinds before the Sunday rounds. Proposing the motivational videos Team USA got, Kaufman asked, “What stood out about some of the support you got from past players who played in Walker Cups?”

Howell acknowledged the videos the team was sent from top golfers who have walked the ramp before. Most came from the winning side, inspiring the team to replicate the results. But Bryson DeChambeau personally appeared on-site on Saturday, reflecting his leadership and emotional connection.

“We got some videos from different professionals, but DeChambeau was actually there on-site. He came to watch and gave us a hype speech on Saturday after our day, that was one hype speech I’ll definitely remember,” Howell shared.

The LIV golfer not only delivered his rallying speech with the team. DeChambeau also stuck around and watched most of the morning and afternoon foursomes session from inside the ropes. This is further proof of his dedication and investment in amateur golf. Assessing the amateur’s games, DeChambeau inspired the players to turn the event to their favor. For someone who had been on the losing side of the Walker Cup, the defeat stung personally. But the future generation’s outstanding performance stood out even more.

“He was on the losing side of a Walker Cup, so we knew that still stung for him. He told us, “I don’t want you guys to feel how I felt on Sunday.” That really hit home. Then we went out, had a great Sunday morning, and crushed it. We also played well on Saturday afternoon,” Howell explained. Following Saturday night’s inspiration from DeChambeau, Team USA went on to deliver one of their strongest finishes ever.

While the morning foursomes witnessed slowed momentum with the USA’s narrow lead of 8.5-7.5, the amateurs dominated the singles. Team USA secured 8 of the 10 singles matches and halved another, recording their best Sunday singles performance since 2009. This also marks the fifth consecutive win for Team USA, 17-9.

DeChambeau’s influence on the outcome is undeniable. Besides Howell, US Captain Nathan Smith also acknowledged the LIV golfer’s hype speech, too. “I think just him showing up in general means so much to us,” Smith said. “He gave us a pump-up speech last night, which they loved, and got them going.”

Bryson DeChambeau’s visit came right before his Bethpage stop. While the LIV golfer faltered in the Ryder Cup, posting underwhelming finishes, the US Amateurs team didn’t disappoint. Mason Howell’s performance was a major contributor.

Mason Howell with an incredible Walker Cup run

Howell is on a fiery run this year. At just 18 years old, the US amateur has risen to the star ranks in golf. Kicking off his dominating stretch, Howell secured the US Amateur at The Olympic Club on August 20, 7&6. This victory got him direct qualification into the Walker Cup US Team. After another stellar round of 59 back home, Howell made his way to the Walker Cup.

Despite being one of the youngest players on a team filled with college upperclassmen, Howell showed no signs of nerves. He began the week with an exceptional albatross on a par-5 during the practice rounds. That reflected early signs of technical mastery, a momentum he carried well into the week. After sitting out the Saturday morning foursomes, he returned strong in singles, defeating England’s Luke Poulter 3 & 2.

Leading into the Sunday foursomes rounds, Howell paired with Jacob Modleski. The pair carded a 2&1 victory against GB&I’s Stuart Grehan and Eliot Baker. Their highlight came when Howell holed out from 147 yards for an eagle on the 17th to seal the win.

The 18-year-old is already sweeping the fields with his incredible poise and golfing mastery. He is already set to tee off in the 2026 Masters, alongside golf’s top names like Rory McIlroy. With maturity beyond his years and a flair for the extraordinary, Mason Howell could be set to be the next big name in American golf.