Blow for GB&I as Walker Cup skipper Watson steps down
Walker Cup skipper Craig Watson has been forced to stand down as GB&I captain due to a serious illness in his immediate family.
Watson, who was set to take the reins at Los Angeles Country Club on September 9, will be replaced by the chairman of the GB&I men’s selectors Andrew Ingram.
“It has been a difficult decision to select only 10 players,” Watson said after naming his team on August 21st.
“We have been very impressed with the performances of many of the GB and Ireland players so far this season.
“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.”
GB&I head to America as defending champions following a fine display at Royal Lytham in which they recorded the biggest winning margin over their counterparts for nearly 100 years, 16.5-9.5.
Ingram represented Wales at junior and youth level before going on to captain the Home Internationals team five times including a win in 2002. He became chairman of the R&A men’s committee in 2014.
The 57-year-old also captained the winning European Junior Ryder Cup Team in 2004 and in 2006 where Europe retained the trophy. He plays off two at Royal Porthcawl.
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
