Walker Cup shortlist revealed

The R&A confirmed on Friday that they had compiled a list of Great Britain & Ireland's best amateurs ahead of next year's Walker Cup clash with the USA at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.

Captain Colin Dalgleish has an abundance of talent at his disposal, headed by Scotland's US Amateur winner Richie Ramsay. The squad is a good mixture of up-and-coming players and experience, with the likes of Lloyd Saltman and Gary Wolstenholme joining the exciting rookie Rory McIlroy.

Dalgleish revealed his plans for the coming months but was also quick to point out that the door wasn't closed for those players who have missed out on the list.

"We are very conscious that young players improve so quickly that is very possible, indeed likely, that one or two players in the team could come from outside the squad," he said.

"However, we want to familiarize our best players with the course and consequently we are planning a trip to Royal County Down in April."

In 2005, the USA defeated GB&I 12.5 to 11.5 in a close battle at the Chicago Golf Club - ending a run of three consecutive defeats. GB&I will be hopeful of regaining the trophy on home soil in the 'Ryder Cup style' matchplay event next September.

PROVISIONAL WALKER CUP SQUAD

September 8/9, 2007 at Royal County Down

Gary Boyd, Cherwell Edge

Jonathan Caldwell, Clandeboye

Glenn Campbell, Blairgowrie

Rhys Davies, Royal Porthcawl

Nigel Edwards, Whitchurch

Zac Gould, Vale of Glamorgan

Scott Henry, Cardross

David Horsey, Styal

Stephen Lewton, Woburn

Llewellyn Matthews, Southerndown

Kevin McAlpine, Alyth

Rory McIlroy, Holywood

Kier McNicoll, Carnoustie

Jamie Moul, Stoke by Nayland

Paul O?Hara, Colville Park

Ben Parker, Royal Birkdale

Richie Ramsay, Royal Aberdeen

Lloyd Saltman, Craigielaw

Gareth Shaw, Lurgan

Simon Ward, Co Louth

Paul Waring, Bromborough

Gary Wolstenholme, Killworth Springs

Ten players will be selected for the team