Both the GB and Ireland and USA Walker Cup teams were practicing today at Royal Lytham and St Annes ahead of this weekends matches. The GB and I team and their Captain Nigel Edwards – wishing them every success this week!

Many good memories of the Walker Cup, such as watching Tiger Woods as an amateur at Royal Porthcawl in 1995 being guided round by playing partner Allen Doyle because he was shaking with nerves at the occasion. And, oh yes, Portmarnock, Ireland in 1991. When I was minding my own business half way down the fairway and someone called Phil Mickelson hit his drive into deep rough just in front of me. He stomped up to the ball and said loudly “that’s not the place to hit it, the Irish women aren’t that attractive”. Charming. This naughty comment was caught on television and viewers rang in to the American Embassy to complain, and for the first time he had to apologise publicly. The beginning of the Pearls of Phil, of which there have been many.

Was I offended, nah. I’m English don’t you know.