By RON BALICKI
Senior WriterIn a nod to the declining economic environment, the USGA will not host a practice squad or winter practice session before the 2009 Walker Cup Match, said Steve Smyers, chairman of the USGA’s selection committee.
The biennial amateur competition against Great Britain and Ireland is scheduled for Sept. 12-13 at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., home club of U.S. captain Buddy Marucci.
“Basically, it came down to the situation pretty much the entire world is in right now economically,” Smyers said. “We felt that at this time this is what we needed to do. It was a very tough decision, but there are times, like we’re in right now, where tough decisions have to be made.”
Before the past three Walker Cups, the USGA has selected a practice squad of 20-25 players who contended for the 10-man team. The group gathered in December or January in Florida for a few days of practice and bonding.
In each instance, the bulk of the U.S. Walker Cup team came from players on the practice squads. And, the Americans won two of those three matches in which a practice session preceded the formal competition.
“We regret having to do this, but in no way does it mean we are not taking the 2009 Walker Cup very seriously,” Smyers said. “We will be keeping a close eye on everyone this summer and communicating with them.
“Our goal is still to put together the best team we possibly can and host the best Walker Cup we could have,” Smyers said. “I believe we will do just that.”
The plan, Smyers said, is to select seven or eight players for the U.S. squad after the Western Amateur in early August. Three weeks later, after the U.S. Amateur, the team would be selected.
Smyers said a practice session would be held after the initial selection of players and another after the 10-man team was selected.
“We will still have time to get the players assembled and give them the opportunity to get to know each other better and to see who fits best together (for the foursomes portion of the competition),” Smyers said. “We’ll definitely go to Merion and play, as well as another venue or two.”
The U.S. leads the series 33-7-1.
The economic situation also has affected the 2009 Copa de las Americas. The fourth staging of the biennial event among men and women amateurs within the Americas was scheduled for Jan. 8-11 at Buenos Aires Golf Club in Argentina.
“At this time, we couldn’t get enough interest in the countries involved to hold the event in January, so it has been postponed,” Smyers said. “We are definitely still planning to have it sometime next year, but at this point it is a work in progress. It is not canceled, just postponed.”
The United States swept the 2007 Copa de las Americas event at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario. Jonathan Moore and Webb Simpson combined to capture the 15-team men’s portion, and Jennie Lee and Stacy Lewis rolled to victory in the 10-team women’s competition. In addition, the U.S. quartet combined to win the overall championship, beating Mexico by 37 strokes.
Posted: 11/25/2008
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