Watson selects players for national squad

Golf Club, has selected six Scots among the squad, with Robert MacIntyre, Craig Howie, Sandy Scott, Connor Syme, Barry Hume and Craig Ross all making the initial cut.

The 46th Walker Cup match will be played over the weekend of 9 – 10 September and GB&I will bid to retain the historic trophy after a record 16½ – 9½ victory over the USA at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2015.

Watson, who will captain the GB&I Walker Cup team for the first time, said: “We have identified a strong group of players who are all in contention for a place on the team and we will be monitoring their performance and results over the coming season.

“We will also pay close attention to the progress and form of players who have not been included in this current squad, as they also have the opportunity to play their way into contention for the team selected to play the USA in September.”

The Great Britain and Ireland squad is as follows: David Boote (Walton Heath), Daniel Brown (Masham), Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), Owen Edwards (Llanwern), Alex Gleeson (Castle), Scott Gregory (Corthampton), Stuart Grehan (Tullamore), Craig Howie (Peebles), Barry Hume (Haggs Castle), Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten), Paul McBride (The Island), Bradley Moore (Kedleston Park), Conor O’Rourke (Naas), Marco Penge (Golf at Goodwood), Alfie Plant (Sundridge Park), Craig Ross (Kirkhill), Sandy Scott (Nairn), Connor Syme (Drumoig), James Walker (Oaks).