Two-time GB&I Walker Cup captain, Stuart Wilson is hoping to get a resounding vote of confidence in being asked to again lead the team for a third occasion into the 2023 event on the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Wilson’s team went down by just two points 14 -12 in a very hotly contested 48th edition of the event at the exclusive Seminole club at West Palm Beach in Florida. The Wilson-led GB&I side gallantly went so close to becoming only the third team to win on US soil after GB&I won Stateside in 1989 and 2001.
And despite the disruption caused by a gastric bug that struck both sides, the GB&I team made controversial TV analyst Paul Azinger again choke on his words after ‘Zinger’s’ put-down comments on the visitor’s ability following the opening Saturday morning session that was halved two point apiece.
Azinger was commenting on CBS in being surprised Wilson’s men were level two points apiece with the Americans and this after Azinger’s comments in suggesting to Tommy Fleetwood at last year’s Honda Classic that it doesn’t matter where you’ve won, unless you’ve won the PGA Tour
GB&I went into Sunday’s deciding 10-man Singles trailing by just one point at 7½ to 8½ against Nathaniel Crosby’s star-spangled side. The hosts dug-in to secure victory in winning five of the 10 matches and half one other while Wilson’s men won four. It was the third straight win for the US with the Americans now winning 38 of the 48 matches while GB&I have won nine and one match (1965) tied.
And before heading home to his job as Managing Secretary at Forfar Golf Club, Wilson spoke of his delight if asked to remain as Captain for the 2023 matches on the Old Course at the Home of Golf, where he captured the 2004 Amateur Championship.
Wilson said: “Back in 2004 I was fortunate enough to win The Amateur on the Old Course. So, hopefully I’ll get the nod to be captain again. It would be great to do one in Scotland, and then obviously even more special being at the Old Course at Scotland.
“And like I said in the closing speech there, we’ll be ready and waiting without a doubt.”
It was 30-year-old Californian Stewart Hagestad, the oldest player on both sides and contesting a third straight Walker Cup, who holed the victory putt in defeating England’s Ben Jones 4&2 in the penultimate match.
Hagestad said: “I just feel lucky to just be a part of it. The boys are so good and they’re so motivating and inspiring to watch. They’re going to go on to have amazing pro careers. I feel very lucky to be a part of it. But gosh, what a special week this has been.”
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