Simpson Cup Returns To Texas As Team USA Seeks End To Title Drought

FORT WORTH -The United States hasn't celebrated an outright Simpson Cup victory since 2021. Now, with the competition coming to Texas for the first time, the Americans are hoping home-field advantage finally changes that.

The 2026 Simpson Cup brings 26 wounded, injured and sick military veterans from the United States and Great Britain to Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth this week for the 14th edition of the Ryder Cup-style competition.

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And there's plenty at stake.

Great Britain enters as defending champion following last year's 12-7 victory and holds a 7-6 advantage in the all-time series. Team USA hasn't won outright since defeating the British 13-5 at The Creek in New York five years ago.

American captain Jacob "Jake" Nelson, a Marine veteran from Little Elm, leads an experienced 13-player roster featuring just two first-time participants. Former captains Marty Caraway and Chad Pfeifer return, while fellow Texans Jason Leap and Russell Normandin give the Americans three players with local ties.

"To captain Team USA anywhere would be incredibly special, but to do it here in Texas adds another dimension for me," Nelson said.

Great Britain won't surrender its advantage easily.

Captain Neil Flynn brings a roster featuring five newcomers, but veterans Ian Bishop, Dave Ward and Mike Browne provide considerable experience. Bishop is making his 13th Simpson Cup appearance, Ward his 12th and Browne his 11th.

The competition begins Tuesday with six fourball matches before Wednesday's 13 singles matches determine the champion.

The Americans need 10 points to reclaim the trophy, while Great Britain requires 9½ to retain it.

Historically, the opening session has favored the United States, which owns a 47-31 advantage in fourball points. Great Britain has been stronger in singles, outscoring the Americans 90-72.

That makes building an early lead especially important for Nelson's team.

The setting adds another layer to the event.

Shady Oaks was the longtime golfing home of legendary Fort Worth native Ben Hogan, making it a fitting destination for a competition built around resilience and determination.

But the Simpson Cup carries significance beyond winning golf matches.

Organized through On Course Foundation, the event helps military veterans rediscover confidence, develop friendships and pursue employment opportunities through golf.

Founder John Simpson has described the tournament as demonstrating the "life-changing impact the game can have" on veterans.

This year's competition also marks the beginning of the foundation's Texas Initiative, which aims to expand veteran programming and career opportunities throughout the state in 2027.

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For the Americans, reclaiming the trophy would end a frustrating five-year stretch.

For the veterans participating, however, representing their countries at one of Texas' most historic golf clubs already makes this week something special.