Great Britain and Ireland had taken an 11–5 lead after the second-day foursomes, needing just 1½ points from the 8 afternoon singles matches.

That meant that if Jay Sigel beat Jim Milligan in the final match, the result would be a tie and the United States would retain the Cup as defending holders.

Both players took bogey 5s at the final hole to leave the match halved and to give Great Britain and Ireland a 12½–11½ victory.

Ten players for the United States and Great Britain & Ireland participated in the event plus one non-playing captain for each team.

Captain: Fred Ridley Allen Doyle was selected for the team but withdrew because of injury and was replaced by Greg Lesher.