Wolstenholme will look to extend record

Gary Wolstenholme has set his sights on yet another Walker Cup appearance after Great Britain & Ireland’s narrow defeat to the US at Chicago Golf Club yesterday.

The 44-year-old became Great Britain & Ireland’s record points holder in the event as his one hole win over Anthony Kim in the singles took his haul to 10 points from 17 Walker Cup ties, eclipsing the previous best held by amateur great Sir Michael Bonallack who plundered 9 1/2 points from his 25 cup matches.

Wolstenholme’s battling victory was not enough to prevent Great Britain & Ireland going down to a 12 1/2 – 11 1/2 loss as the US halted a run of three successive defeats in the biennial event.

But despite his increasing years, the two-time amateur champion, who holds the unique distinction of having played in four Walker Cup winning sides, has not given up hope of helping Great Britain & Ireland recapture the trophy when the contest is held at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland in 2007.

“I was very proud that I got the record number of points,” Wolstenholme said. “But I would have given anything to have lost and for the team to have won.

“It’s deflating but I am so proud of the way the team fought and how they played. The Walker Cup is a special tournament and it’s great to be here. I have enjoyed the experience so much. The guys in the team are like family now and hopefully I can be here in two years time at Royal County Down.”