COUNTY CLARE, Ireland, July 12 (UPI) -- The United States won its second straight Palmer Cup Friday, taking eight singles matches to overwhelm Britain and Ireland in the amateur team competition.
Bill Haas, the son of PGA Tour veteran Jay Haas, secured the 15 1/2-8 1/2 win with a 2-up victory over Oliver Wilson. Haas also defeated Wilson in a morning singles match by the same score.
"I couldn't be more proud of the team," U.S. coach Chris Haack said. "It was tough going out there this week. (Britain and Ireland) played outstanding golf and I have a tremendous amount of respect for their games."
Haas won all four of his matches during the two-day event, which features collegiate players, helping the United States to improve to 4-1-1 in the international competition.
The Americans led, 4 1/2-3 1/2, following Thursday's four-ball and foursomes and got off to a quick start in Friday morning's singles matches, winning four and halving two before Britain and Ireland earned a victory.
The United States collected six of a possible eight points in the morning session for a 10 1/2-5 1/2 cushion heading into the afternoon matches.
Ryan Hybl kept the momentum going with a 7 & 6 rout of Andy Smith, putting the Americans within a point of clinching the Cup with seven matches remaining.
Haas then defeated Wilson to secure the title.
While the score seemed lopsided, 15 of the 24 matches were decided on the 18th hole.
The Americans earned their first Palmer Cup title on foreign soil. The event was held in Ireland for the first time.
