It was definitely a case of survival of the fittest as the Americans edged out GB&I 14-12 in a remarkable 48th Walker Cup at Seminole GC over the weekend.
The event will long be remembered for the strength and grit of both teams in the face of unusually adverse circumstances, best summed up by one of the visitors’ four Sunday afternoon winners Joe Long.
The reigning Amateur champion did not play on Saturday or in morning foursomes because of a stomach bug virus that badly affected both sides. Captain Stuart Wilson put him out third in afternoon singles and the 23-year-old Englishman earned a hard-fought one-up victory over 2019 Walker Cup standout John Pak.
“It was quite tough sitting in bed most of the week,” said Long last night. “I just wanted to play one match. Come out this afternoon, just give it my best shot.”
Scotsman Wilson was a proud man despite the disappointing result.
“It was such an evenly matched contest and our guys were really fired up,” said USA captain “I’ve been blessed to be part of their lives here for a few years and it’s been so great.”
His American counterpart Nathaniel Crosby was gracious in victory, his second successive Walker Cup win.
“It’s been a great weekend of golf,” he said. “It’s the Walker Cup after all. The guys have come out fighting and tried to acquit themselves as best they can. But hats off to the USA Team and Nathaniel for pulling the victory off.”
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