The hosts looked to be heading for a heartbreaking defeat after the Americans swept all four Sunday morning foursomes to open up a 9½-6½ lead. With the US needing just 3½ points from the final 10 singles matches to retain the Cup, the contest appeared all but over.

Instead, GB&I produced a remarkable turnaround in the singles, feeding off a partisan Lahinch crowd as the Americans struggled to hole putts and the momentum swung decisively back towards the home side.

Stuart Grehan once again played a starring role, defeating world No.1 Preston Stout for the second time in as many days, while Jack Whaley, Luke Poulter and Tyler Weaver also secured crucial victories. Connor Graham and Eliot Baker added half-points before attention turned to the final match of the day.

Ian and Luke Poulter following GB&I winning the Walker Cup. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Josh Hill held his nerve against world No.2 Tyler Watts, producing a superb bunker shot on the 18th before rolling in the decisive putt to seal a 1-up victory and spark extraordinary scenes around the final green.

The result ended a run of five consecutive Walker Cup victories for the United States and delivered GB&I its first triumph since Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2015.

For captain Dean Robertson and his young team, it was a victory built on resilience after the morning setback – and one that will live long in Walker Cup history.