‘Silent assassins’ earn Walker call
The Irish duo were named yesterday to the 10-man team to do battle against the USA at the National Golf Links of America in Southampton from September 7-8. And while the side has an average age of just 20, the Welsh skipper knows he has some serious talent.
“Kevin’s won on the college circuit in America, did well at the NCAAs and qualified for the US Open twice and in particular this year he did very well in making the cut.
“Gavin has progressed for a number of years in boys’ golf and he’s a great competitor and will do very well in this environment. He’s got a great short game and we’re delighted to have him in the team and I’m sure he’ll look forward to the challenge of a Walker Cup.”
Phelan (22, pictured above) and Moynihan (18) are laid back individuals who are seen rather than heard, but Edwards has no worries on that score.
“We have a few quiet lads in the team but you can be the silent assassin type and that’s fine by me,” he said with a chuckle.
“Kevin is in that mould and Gavin is a great competitor and done well at all levels he has played at. When he has been a junior player on men’s teams and in men’s competitions he has proved himself.”
US-based Phelan took to social media to express his delight, tweeting: “Delighted about making the Walker Cup team along with nipster extraordinaire @GavinMoynihan should be a great week in NY!! #GB&I”
GB&I Walker Cup team: Matthew Fitzpatrick, 18, England; Nathan Kimsey, 20, England; Gavin Moynihan, 18, Ireland; Max Orrin, 19, England; Kevin Phelan, 22, Ireland; Garrick Porteous, 23, England; Rhys Pugh, 19, Wales; Neil Raymond, 27, England; Callum Shinkwin, 20, England; Jordan Smith, 20, England.
Reserves: Greg Eason, 21, England; Ryan Evans, 26, England. Captain: Nigel Edwards, 45, Wales.
USA: Max Homa, 22, Calif.; Michael Kim, 20, Calif.; Patrick Rodgers, 21, Ind; Justin Thomas, 20, Ky.; Cory Whitsett, 21, Texas; Jordan Niebrugge, 20, Wis.; Nathan Smith, 35, Pa.; Michael Weaver, 22, Calif.; Todd White, 45, S.C.; Bobby Wyatt, 21, Ala.
Captain: Jim Holtgrieve.
