America, with six players ranked in the top 10 of the world amateur rankings, start the 43rd Walker Cup match favourites, but that does not bother Lewis one bit. “I feel confident coming into this week,” said the 20 year-old who shot a record low for an amateur of 65 to lead this year's Open after the first day.
“I’m playing well. There’s no real reason why I can’t perform with some of the top boys from America. Hopefully, if I go out and get a few points on the board with Mikey it will build some confidence throughout the team.”
The Americans were preparing last night for a speech from the visiting Donald Trump, the esteemed captain of industry afflicted by logorrhoea.
Captain Jim Holtgrieve also had a motivational address planned, invoking the spirit of America by referencing the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
At the heart of Great Britain and Ireland captain Nigel Edwards’s proposed oratory is a stockpile of goodwill messages from British golfing greats.
Edwards said he would read the missives at the pre-match dinner. Among those to pen their support are Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and
Darren Clarke. McIlroy said: “I’m jealous. Here I am stuck in Holland in the rain and you guys are about to have one of the best weekends of your life. That’s how I remember my Walker Cup experience and I didn’t play on a winning side. We lost by a point! Hope it all goes well and look forward to seeing you lifting the Walker Cup on Sunday.”
McIlroy enjoyed a better second day at the KLM Open in Hilversumsche, in Holland, posting a 65 to close one off the clubhouse lead on five under par.
Westwood, who is four under after a second round 66, urged the amateurs to forget the rankings.
“I know from Ryder Cup matches how special team events are in golf. Make the most of it. And remember, play your own game and don’t worry about the opposition.”
Winds gusting up to 40mph and rain is forecast.
Following the calamity that befell his Ryder Cup countrymen, when their waterproof clothing malfunctioned in torrential rain, US captain Holtgrieve said his team is prepared. “I stood in the shower and the suits worked perfectly,” he said.
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