The teams to represent Great Britain and Ireland and America in the 46th Walker Cup have been officially unveiled three weeks ahead of this year’s match, which will be played at Los Angeles Country Club in California from September 9-10.
The 10-man GB&I team features five Englishmen, two Scots, two Welshmen and one player from Ireland. The squad includes Amateur champion Harry Ellis (pictured); the Silver Medal winner at the Open and European Amateur champion Alfie Plant; the Lytham Trophy champion Jack Singh Brar, and the winner of the St Andrews Links Trophy, Matthew Jordan. Last year’s Amateur champion Scott Gregory is joined in the team by the man he defeated in the final, Robert MacIntyre.
Craig Watson, who will be captaining the GB&I team for the first time in the match, said: “We have been very impressed with the performances of many of the GB&I players so far this season, and it has been a difficult decision to select only ten players. The Walker Cup is one of the highlights of the golfing calendar and a tremendous opportunity for the players to shine on such a big stage. The Americans will be determined not to lose two matches in a row, but we have selected a strong team and I’m sure the players will give it their all to try to retain the trophy.”
The American team was also announced over the weekend, with returning captain John Miller picking US Amateur champion Doc Redman and runner-up Doug Ghim among the 10 players selected to represent their country in California next month. Redman, a 19-year-old sophomore at Clemson, beat Ghim on the 37th hole at Riviera Country Club.
Redman and Ghim will join Cameron Champ, Stewart Hagestad, Maverick McNealy, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Braden Thornberry, Norman Xiong and Will Zalatoris in matches.
Miller said: “I was going to have a great team no matter what the committee decisions were. I’m sad that there were several players who played well enough, but when you’re only able to pick 10, it’s very unfortunate.
McNealy is the only remaining member of the US team that took part in the 2015 matches at Royal Lytham, which saw GB&I win 16.5-9.5. He said: “I think we need to have a bit more of an edge this year. It comes down to willpower when you need to hit that fairway or make that last putt. I think defending our home turf, and wanting to get that cup back, will be huge motivators for the team this year.”
GB&I TEAM
David Boote, 23, Walton Heath, Wales
Jack Davidson, 20, Llanwern, Wales
Harry Ellis, 21, Meon Valley, England
Scott Gregory, 22, Corhampton, England
Matthew Jordan, 21, Royal Liverpool, England
Paul McBride, 21, The Island, Ireland
Robert MacIntyre, 21, Glencruitten, Scotland
Alfie Plant, 25, Sundridge Park, England
Jack Singh Brar, 20, Remedy Oak, England
Connor Syme, 22, Drumoig, Scotland
Reserves: 1st Conor O’Rourke, 26, Naas, Ireland; 2nd Craig Howie, 22, Peebles, Scotland