Stuart Wilson is hoping he can pass on his local knowledge to aid Great Britain and Ireland’s Walker Cup chances as his squad recently met in St Andrews for the first time.
The GB&I captain welcomed 10 home-based players who are aiming for selection in the team to play the United States of America in the 49th staging of the historic match.
The biennial encounter will be played over the renowned Old Course on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, marking 100 years since the match was first played at the home of golf.
Players including last year’s Lytham Trophy winner John Gough of England, reigning R&A Junior Open champion Connor Graham of Scotland and Irishman Hugh Foley, runner-up in the U.S. Mid-Amateur last autumn, were among those honing their skills on the Old Course as part of the squad gathering.
Wilson has fond memories of St Andrews after winning the Amateur Championship in the Fife town back in 2004 and hopes his experience of the venue benefits his team.
“It was tremendous to get the home-based players altogether for a chance to look around and get to know each other,” Wilson said of the two-day session. “It was a good opportunity for us to get together, bond and gel as a team. It’s also giving them familiarisation with St Andrews, the golf course and the places we might eat at during the week. We also had some local caddies to give us some more insight into how they might play the Old.”
"I'm excited about the squad. ... It's a bit of a progression for them being here really."
Stuart Wilson
GB&I is aiming to win back the trophy after losing, 14-12, to the USA at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, in 2021, when Wilson also was captain. The final 10-man team will be announced in August.
“I’m excited about the squad,” said Wilson, who has also been a St Andrews Trophy captain for GB&I and Junior Ryder Cup captain for Europe. “The majority of the young players have international experience, already having played for GB&I at boys’ level. It’s a bit of a progression for them being here really. But the team will not necessarily come from the squad. Anyone can play their way in throughout this year. This is just the initial stage of preparation.
“Including Seminole, I’ve been involved in a lot of international matches, and there is always something that you learn from or key themes that keep getting repeated – either good or bad – so you know what to be looking out for. You are looking for those pearls of wisdom to pass on to the guys.”
With tickets for the Walker Cup going on sale this month, Wilson is hoping for a strong home support come the autumn. Recent Walker Cup players include Scottie Scheffler, now the world No. 1, Collin Morikawa and Robert MacIntyre, to highlight what spectators can expect.
He added, “It would be great to think golf fans will turn out to support the guys. Fans will genuinely be coming along to watch the stars of the future."
More information and ticket registration can be found HERE.
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