Wednesday 3 February 2016 15:41, UK
Craig Watson admits he has a hard task ahead if he is to emulate Nigel Edwards’ success as Walker Cup captain.
Edwards led Great Britain and Ireland's amateurs to a record seven-point victory over the United States at Royal Lytham in September 2015 and afterwards suggested he might stay on for a record fourth spell as captain in Los Angeles next year.
However, Watson has been handed the task of attempting to secure a first win on American soil since 2001 and will also captain the GB&I St Andrews Trophy team against the Continent of Europe this July.
The 49-year-old defeated future Masters champion Trevor Immelman to win the Amateur Championship at Royal St George's in 1997 and played in the Walker Cup defeat at Quaker Ridge later that year.
"Playing in the Walker Cup team is one of my proudest moments in golf," said Watson.
"I still remember the nerve-wracking moment when I teed it up on the first in the afternoon singles on the first day but I settled down and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
"It is a privilege for me to take over the captaincy of the team and I have a hard act to follow as Nigel did a fantastic job.
"I am looking forward to getting started and to making sure we put out the strongest team we can next year in Los Angeles.
"It is a hugely exciting time for amateur golf and you only have to look at the performances of the amateurs in the Open at St Andrews last year to see how competitive the game is at the moment."
Edwards, after captaining both the Walker Cup and St Andrews Trophy sides on three occasions, will join the R&A's Men's Selection Committee.
