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The captains of Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America believe experience of the world-renowned Old Course could tip the balance in the outcome of the 49th Walker Cup at St Andrews.
The biennial encounter takes place at the home of golf on Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 September and thousands of fans are set to visit the home of golf in anticipation of GB&I halting a run of three consecutive wins by the visitors in the international match.
Stuart Wilson, who captains GB&I for the second time after leading the team in a narrow 14-12 defeat at Seminole in 2021, hopes that home advantage will bolster his side’s chances of reclaiming the famous trophy. The last win for the hosts came in 2015 at Royal Lytham & St Annes when GB&I won 16½-9½ at the famous Lancashire links.
Wilson said, “The history of the Walker Cup tells us that the United States of America will always be favourites, but certainly since the mid-1990s, home advantage has really come into play. It’s just not golf, it’s any sport – home advantage is a big thing. It’s definitely something we will play on and look to put to our advantage. The guys certainly feel comfortable out there.
“I know there will be a strong contingent visiting from the United States given the historical connection of the match and that it’s been 100 years since it was first played in St Andrews, but I’m hoping that there is a strong local crowd as well. I’m sure St Andrews, Fife and Scotland will come and turn out for it.”
“All of us in the team play so much links golf,” said Irishman Liam Nolan, winner of the Brabazon Trophy earlier this year and making his Walker Cup debut this weekend. “We either grew up on links golf or play it all year long really. We just have to go out and do the exact same things we usually do.
“With the experience we have in the team and on the golf course I think that could be enough to get us over the line.”
Nolan, who will be supported by members travelling over from his home club in Galway, added, “I’ve heard the crowds here are going to be really big, so I’m really looking forward to hearing a Great Britain and Ireland crowd – and especially around the home of golf, there’s no better place for it.”
Mike McCoy, who is captaining the United States of America for the first time in the match but played in the 2015 defeat, has focused on ensuring his players acclimatise and familiarise themselves with the Old Course, with all of the players making their first visit to St Andrews.
“It’s always special to be here,” said McCoy. “I’ve been focused on our guys getting to know the golf course and understanding that it’s hard to win when you’re on the road and when you’re playing at a golf course they’re unfamiliar with.
“I came last year and watched The 150th Open. I walked the course a couple of times just to reacquaint myself and then we walked it again on Sunday morning, so I’m starting to get a real good feel for it.
“I think the key and the thing I’ve tried to explain to the players is how the weather can shift so rapidly and the winds can look like they’re going to be coming one way and then an hour later they’ve shifted. I’m just trying to make sure we’re prepared for any change in the wind. I think that’s the most important thing I can do.”
Fans will be able to attend the match for as little as £40 for an Adult Weekend Ticket and £25 for a Daily Ticket, while families are also being encouraged to attend with children under the age of 16 being admitted free of charge and reduced price tickets available for those aged 16-24 years old.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.randa.org
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