GB&I captain feels confident for Florida showdown

our disposal have still been working hard even if there hasn’t been as much to play in. That has possibly given them even more hunger.

“All of a sudden they are going to be playing in the biggest team event in amateur golf. The history books tell us it is very difficult to win over there. But it’s not impossible.”

During a glory-laden amateur career, which also included appearances in

The Open and The Masters, Wilson’s Walker Cup memories still stir the senses.

“I was probably more nervous at that than any other event,” said Wilson, who played on the winning GB&I side at Ganton in 2003. “When you play The Open or The Masters as an amateur you’re there for the experience really. Obviously, you want to do well but your focus is not on winning something like that. At the Walker Cup, though, you have that pressure, anticipation and expectation.”

While some have made the argument for delaying the Walker Cup due to the pandemic restrictions – it is being held four months earlier than normal to avoid the Florida hurricane season – Wilson knows the show must go on. “It’s not as easy as saying ‘let’s postpone it’ as there are so many logistics involved,” he said. “We just have to carry on.”

Having already missed out on a St Andrews Trophy match as GB&I skipper, Wilson is hoping he’ll get another crack at the captaincy to take in the 2023 Walker Cup when it heads to St Andrews, 100 years after it was first played there. “I’ve already thrown my hat into the ring,” said Wilson, who won the Amateur Championship at the Old Course in 2004. “The message to myself for May’s match is ‘don’t mess it up’ and hopefully I’ll still be at the helm for St Andrews.”