Walker Cup players in health scare on eve of Seminole clash
Players set to take part in this weekend’s Walker Cup in Florida have been hit by “gastrointestinal issues” ahead of the biennial clash.
The news was revealed in a joint-statement by the USGA and R&A on the eve of the 48th edition at Seminole Golf Club, where Forfar’s Stuart Wilson is the Great Britain & Ireland captain.
The statement read: “Over the past 24 hours, a number of players from both the GB&I and USA teams have been treated for gastrointestinal issues and are currently under observation by medical professionals at the teams’ hotel.
“All players from both teams have tested negative in their daily screenings and Covid-19 has been ruled out as the cause.
“The players have adhered to the strict health and safety guidelines established as a code of conduct for the match.
“The health and safety of the players and all involved in the match is our utmost priority and we are closely monitor
ing the situation. At this time, there is no expectation of a disruption to the timing of the matches of the biennial competition.”
Irishman John Murphy, a former winner of the St Andrews Links Trophy, revealed during a press conference yesterday that he’d felt “unwell” earlier in the week.
Nathaniel Crosby, Bing’s son, is Wilson’s opposite number for the match, which is being held at Seminole for the first time. Nairn’s Sandy Scott, the world No 8, had been picked for Wilson’s 10-man team, but he was forced to withdraw due to a wrist injury.
Wilson believes his players can defy the odds to claim the cup for just the third time on US soil. The home side are favourites to win the contest for the third time in succession, with just one of their 10 players ranked outside the world's top 20.
"We know there's only been two teams that have been successful over here, which shows it's not impossible," said Wilson.
"But we've had a look at the numbers, and yeah, there's been 310 Walker Cup players; 84 of those have played on winning sides but only 20 have played on a winning side in America. We're trying to make that 30. The guys are up for it, without a doubt."