Gary Wolstenholme has a simple tip for winning the Walker Cup have fun and enjoy yourselves!
Wolstenholme was a member of six Walker Cup sides for GB & Ireland and was on the winning side four times.
He played alongside the cream of modern British golf such as Justin Rose, Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell in the amateur contest against the USA.
He added some notable scalps of his own too, including beating the 19-year-old Tiger Woods in the singles at Royal Porthcawl in 1995.
The top British amateur golfers will assemble next weekend for the match at the National Golf Links of America on Long Island, New York.
The side this year includes US Amateur Champion and Silver Medal winner at The Open, Matt Fitzpatrick, and British Amateur Champion, Garrick Porteous.
And Wolstenholme, who now plays on the European Seniors Tour, wants these young players to enjoy the experience, as that will allow them to produce their best golf.
“You must approach the Walker Cup with a sense of anticipation and excitement,” he says.
“Players have to grasp the opportunity with both hands. It’s a stepping stone to the next stage of their careers.
“The winning teams I was on had great fun. There was lots of laughter and that’s a great way to ease any pressure.
“The danger is to think you have to play better than ever. Remember, you’ve been selected because you’re already one of the best players in the country.”
Great Britain and Ireland have only won twice across the Atlantic in 1989 and in 2001 although they currently hold the Cup, having won at Royal Aberdeen two years ago.
Wolstenholme was a member of the team which won 15-9 at Sea Island 12 years ago, along with this year’s captain Nigel Edwards.
The former two-time Amateur Champion fondly remembers that victory and sees no reason why it can’t be third time lucky.
“We simply had a great team in 2001,” he recalls. “The likes of Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell, Marc Warren, Nick Dougherty plus Peter McEvoy as captain.
“Peter was a master tactician and the best man-manager I’ve experienced.
“With Luke in the team, we almost felt that was four points in the bag before we’d teed off.
“Plus with Graeme and Marc, we had good matchplayers too.
“The course at Sea Island suited us, as the National Golf Links should this time, with a bit of breeze.
“It’s a fairly young side, but with Nigel’s captaincy, there’s no reason why we can’t win again.”
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