Cory Whitsett and Justin Thomas of the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s golf team were among the first five collegiate golfers to be selected to the 2013 United States Walker Cup team. The tournament will be held Sept. 7-8 in Southampton, N.Y.
The Walker Cup is a transcontinental golf competition played between 10 amateur golfers from the United States and 10 from Great Britain and Ireland. With the selection of Whitsett and Thomas, the Crimson Tide has doubled the amount of players from Alabama the competition has seen in its nearly 100-year history – with the other two being Bud Cauley in 2009 and local golf icon Jerry Pate in 1975.
Whitsett, 2013 SEC Golfer of the Year, said it’s a different kind of pressure to represent the United States rather than his alma mater.
“It’s a different experience when you’re out there for your country,” he said. “It’s something that’s good that can elevate your game.”
Played bienially on odd- numbered years since the contest resumed after World War II, the Walker Cup has been dominated by the United States, holding a 34-8-1 advantage. The match is composed of 16 singles matches and eight foursome matches.
“You do feel a different responsibility, representing the U.S. the way the USGA (United States Golf Association) wants you to,” Whitsett said. “There is … more pressure playing for your country.”
Thomas, winner of the 2012 Haskins Award and SEC Golfer of the Year, echoed the sentiment that international golfing competitions can broaden and strengthen individual games.
“It definitely helps you get better,” Thomas said. “There’s some stuff you may learn from seeing the other golfers. Some things you use can be brought in to help the team.”
Max Homa and Michael Kim of the University of California, along with Patrick Rodgers of Stanford, will join Whitsett and Thomas. The final five spots of the 10-spot roster are set to be announced in August.
The National Golf Links of America in Southampton, N.Y., will host this year’s Walker Cup. Alternating between different sides of the Atlantic, 2011’s match saw the United States fall to Great Britain 14-12, breaking a three-match win streak.
Fellow Crimson Tide golfer Bobby Wyatt, another senior, is under consideration for one of the five remaining spots on the American side. Currently ranked No. 7 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Whitsett sits at No. 3 and Thomas at No. 4.
Thomas, who has been mulling the chance to turn professional in September, said it’s a special kind of feeling to play in international competitions.
“I just get thrills every time,” Thomas said. “It happens whenever you hear your name get called off the first tee to represent the U.S.”
