JUNO BEACH, Florida — This weekend’s 48th Walker Cup at Seminole Golf Club got off a rocky start Friday when the USGA released a statement that said players on both the American and Great Britain-Ireland teams are battling stomach issues.
“Over the past 24 hours, a number of players from both the GB&I and USA Teams have been treated for gastrointestinal issues and are currently under observation by medical professionals at the teams’ hotel,” the statement read.
“All players from both teams have tested negative in their daily screenings and COVID-19 has been ruled out as the cause. The players have adhered to the strict health and safety guidelines established as a code of conduct for the match.
“The health and safety of the players and all involved in the match is our utmost priority and we are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, there is no expectation of a disruption to the timing of the matches of the biennial competition.
“We will provide additional updates if necessary.”
With both 10-members teams affected, it raises the possibility of food poisoning. In any event, it may be tougher for the players that have to play 36 holes daily to have their normal strength.
Under the Walker Cup format, there are four foursome matches Saturday morning, followed by eight singles matches. On Sunday, there are four foursomes matches followed by 10 singles matches.
The USA, which leads 37-9-1 and is the defending champion, needs 13 points to retain the cup. GBI needs 13½ to win the Cup.
Tyler Strafaci, shown here ar The Masters, is one of the leaders of the American Walker Cup team. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)
TV SCHEDULE
Saturday, Foursomes 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Peacock
Saturday Foursomes, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel
Saturday Foursomes 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Peacock
Saturday Singles 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Golf Channel
Sunday, Foursomes 10a.m.-11 a.m., Peacock
Sunday Foursomes 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel
Sunday Foursomes 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Peacock
Sunday Singles 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Golf Channel
TEAMS
Great Britain-Ireland
Here’s a look at the team, captained by Scotland’s Stuart Wilson:
Barclay Brown (20, Hallamshire, England)
Alex Fitzpatrick (22, Hallamshire, England)
Angus Flanagan (21, St George’s Hill, England)
Ben Jones (21, Northamptonshire County, England)
Matty Lamb (23, Hexham, England)
Joe Long (23, Lansdown, England)
John Murphy (22, Kinsale, Ireland)
Mark Power (20, Kilkenny, Ireland)
Ben Schmidt (18, Rotherham, England)
Sandy Scott (22, Nairn, Scotland)
U.S. Walker Cup team
Here’s a look at the U.S. team, captained by Jupiter resident Nathaniel Crosby Jr.
Tyler Strafaci, 22, Davie, Georgia Tech (alum)
Davis Thompson, 21, St. Simons Island, Ga., Georgia (senior)
Ricky Castillo, 20, Yorba Linda, Calif., Florida (sophomore)
John Pak, 22, Scotch Plains, N.J., Florida State (senior)
Pierceson Coody, 21, Plano, Texas, Texas (junior)
Cole Hammer, 21, Houston, Texas, Texas (junior)
Stewart Hagestad, 29, Newport Beach, Calif., USC (alum)
Quade Cummins, 24, Weatherford, Okla., Oklahoma (senior)
Austin Eckroat, 22, Edmond, Okla., Oklahoma State (senior)
William Mouw, 20, Chino, Calif., Pepperdine (sophomore)