The Walker Cup is fast approaching, and Dean Robertson, University of Stirling’s Head of Golf is excited to come face to face with the United States at the competition. Robertson is captaining a team of 10 amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland.
Despite the USA dominating the contest in its 50-year history, Robertson is of the belief that his team can overpower their opponents. This edition of the competition is being played in Pebble Beach, California, at Cypress Point Club and will be broadcast globally and available to watch on Sky Sports in the UK.
Robertson’s team is heading out to the USA this week and is made up of 10 players: Cameron Adam, Eliot Baker, Dominic Clemons, Charlie Forster, Connor Graham, Stuart Grehan, Luke Poulter, Niall Shiels Donegan, Gavin Tiernan, and Tyler Weaver.
When asked about his team, Robertson said “I have meticulously selected this year’s Great Britain and Ireland team, leveraging an unparalleled understanding of each player’s game, personality, and ability to meet the unique skill set demanded at Cypress Point.”
Robertson’s supporting cast consists of his teammate from the 1993 Walker Cup, Raymond Russell, professional golfer Kath O’Connor, sports psychologist Dr John Mathers – a University of Stirling colleague – and performance nutritionist Amy O’Donnell.
“This exceptional group represents the very best in skill, unity, resilience, and determination. We are massive underdogs on paper and there are some who say we have absolutely no chance, however, I am 100 per cent confident that this team is perfectly equipped to compete at the highest level.”
“Win or lose, we are heading to Cypress Point to set a new standard, embrace the challenge, honour the legacy of the Walker Cup and make history.”
As mentioned above, Dean Robertson brings his own personal experience to this team, having competed in the 1993 Walker Cup in Minnesota. He is “encouraging [his] players to embrace the experience, enjoy the atmosphere, and give everything they’ve got as they seek to upset the odds and bring the Walker Cup back home.”
Robertson marks this as a ‘career defining moment’ for his team, and they are all incredibly excited for this challenge.
Robertson and his team are coming off a wonderful performance from last month in Madrid, where they took home the St Andrews Trophy against the Continent of Europe in a 16.5 to 8.5 victory.
Walker Cup History
The Walker Cup is a biannual amateur tournament between Great Britain and Ireland, and the United States of America. This year’s USA team is captained by Nathan Smith, an amateur from Pennsylvania, who has played in three Walker Cups (2009, 2011, 2013).
Great Britain and Ireland are hoping for success this time around, coming off four straight losses to the States, however the last victory GB&I managed on US soil was in Georgia in 2001.
Best of Luck
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling offers his “very best wishes to Dean and the GB&I squad ahead of their big match up against the USA at Cypress Point,” adding that “Dean has given the team the best possible chance of success via his meticulous and diligent approach to preparing for the task in hand. Best of luck to Dean and the team.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling
Student journalist and Sports Editor for Brig Newspaper
