Craig’s calm head could be set to pay dividends for GB&I
Craig Watson has to find his own way of getting the best out of his players to regain the Walker Cup for Great Britain & Ireland.
That is the view of former captain Nigel Edwards. And the Welshman knows a thing or two about this, having led GB&I to victory in both 2011 and 2015.
Watson has the honour of captaining the 10 best amateur players from these shores as they take on their American counterparts at Royal Liverpool next weekend.
The 53-year-old Glasgwegian should have been captain for the match at the Los Angeles Country Club two years ago, but he had to step down because of a family illness.
The Americans won 19-7 against a team that included fellow-Scots Connor Syme and Bob MacIntyre, but Watson is back in charge on home soil.
Edwards, now the Performance Director at England Golf, was part of the selection committee and knows Craig very well, and offers his advice on the type of environment needed to produce a winning team.
“Craig is a laid-back character,” Edwards said. “He’s very different from me and will bring his own style.
“But the players will respect what he achieved in his own playing career by winning the Amateur Championship and the St Andrews Links Trophy twice.
“He’s a very calm individual and he will need that in the team-room as some of the lads will need to temper their excitement.
“You have to transmit the belief to the players and give them the opportunity to perform at their highest level.
“But it’s all about the team. One player can’t win the Walker Cup on his own. So it’s critical how you deal with the players who are not picked for each series of matches.”
In a week when Rory McIlroy won over £12 million at the PGA Tour season finale, there will be something refreshing as the stars of tomorrow compete for glory at Hoylake.
And Edwards is certain that the Walker Cup remains relevant in the world of golf.
“There is a great honour in representing your country and pulling on that lion,” he states. “Many of the best have played Walker Cup – McIlroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Colin Montgomerie, the list goes on and on.
“They all talk positively and have good memories, while they also build lasting friendships. There is a massive incentive to take on the best in the world. But what really sets you apart is being on a winning team.”