TWO DAYS FROM now, 23 of the best amateur golfers in the British Isles will make their respective ways to the famous Formby club in Lancashire. Each will be hoping that this elite gathering is but a prelude to graduation into the 10-strong squad that will represent Great Britain & Ireland in this year's Walker Cup matches. And each one, with the exception of forty-something Nigel Edwards, will not be too far removed from his first shave. Indeed, the veteran Welshman is the only attend
Such is the way of things in modern-day amateur golf at the highest level. With the so-called "career amateur" largely a thing of the past, especially on this side of the Atlantic, players of promise tend to arrive in elite squads by the age of 20,
then turn professional within a couple of years. Little wonder then that non-playing captain Colin Dalgleish, who led Great Britain & Ireland to narrow and agonising defeat at Royal County Down 18 months ago, is likely to head a completely new side at Merion (where Bobby Jones completed his unique Grand Slam in 1930) on September 12 and 13.
Still, the final composition of the team is a way off at this stage. So for now, with the amateur season kicking off in earnest at next weekend's Lytham Trophy, there is much incentive for any player of promise who wants to attract the attention of the six-strong selection committee.
"All we have tried to do is identify the group from which the team is likely to come," says Dalgleish, who played Walker Cup golf at Cypress Point in 1981, the same year he was Scottish Amateur champion. "But at this stage it is hardly a closed shop. With so much golf to be played between now and the selection of the team there is plenty of time for someone to break through. So this week isn't a trial as such, far from it. All we want to do is get everyone thinking about the Walker Cup."
As far as Scotland's possible representation is concerned, both Wallace Booth and Gavin Dear – two-thirds of the tartan side that won the World Amateur Team Championship and the Eisenhower Trophy in Australia last year – must both fancy their chances of making it into amateur golf's most high-profile event, as will the much-touted former Scottish Boys champion Michael Stewart.
But competition will be stiff.
"There are obviously a few guys who have done well to this point and will be favoured to make the team," contends Dalgleish. "But there is still a long way to go. We don't have that many absolute standouts that there isn't room for anyone to play well and claim a place. There are a number of Irish lads in contention, for example. They won the European Team Championship and the Home Internationals last year, both in fine style. Irish teams have always tended to perform well as teams, even if they haven't had obvious standouts."
Whatever the eventual makeup of the side, one member of the team who will arrive with plenty of experience is Dalgleish himself. Certainly, no stone will be left unturned by the skipper in his efforts to reverse what was a sore loss in 2007. A tough, stoic and notably gritty competitor in his playing days, those characteristics are proving just as valuable in his new role.
"Colin is a great organiser and is methodical in everything he does," points out Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal & Ancient. "He is very cool in a crisis; he exudes efficiency and calmness. And he did a great job last time around in a match that could have gone either way."
Indeed, following the lead of Tony Jacklin, who transformed the treatment of European Ryder Cup squads back in the 1980s, Dalgleish made sure his charges felt like they were a big deal long before they made it to the first tee. "It's all about setting a tone for the week," he says. "Last time we had a private dinner for the team in the R&A clubhouse. Sandy Lyle was there to talk to the lads. Then we rustled up a plane to fly them to Belfast. By the time they got there they were feeling pretty important. I know the clothing isn't the biggest part of all this, but they need to feel special. Last time we gave them a booklet explaining what they should be wearing each day. But, to be honest, these guys are all highly disciplined and highly organised. All you have to tell them is time and place and they are there, as prepared as they can be."
One thing the GB&I side will likely lack this time is a bona fide star in its midst. In 2007, Rory McIlroy, playing only a few miles from his home, stole the show, off the course at least.
"Having Rory was obviously a bonus," recalls Dalgleish. "To have such an extraordinary player doesn't happen too often. He is such a talent and attracted a huge amount of attention that week. The other lads were comfortable with that and Rory was a great team player. All the fuss didn't faze him at all. And it certainly didn't put anyone's nose out of joint. It was never a problem.
"It remains to be seen – we have some players of exceptional talent – but there is no one with Rory's profile this time round, at least right now. They might get there later, of course. All I can hope for is that we get to Merion with 10 players all performing to the best of their abilities. But that would be a bonus. The reality is that most but not all will be playing well. All you can hope for is that as many as possible will do so.
"Once the team is picked, we will take them all to Valderrama for two or three days in mid-August. By that time we'll be looking at things like possible foursomes pairings. But for now all we're trying to achieve is the basics and building team spirit. They come through so fast these days that there are inevitably some who don't know the others that well. I want to get past that stage as soon as possible."
In the end, perhaps only one thing is for certain: no past Walker Cup side will have arrived in the US better prepared.
