Forfar’s Stuart Wilson, the former Walker Cup winner and Amateur champion, is the new captain of the Great Britain and Ireland men’s teams, and will lead the squad to the next Walker Cup at Seminole in Florida in 2021.
Wilson (42) will take over the reins from countryman Craig Watson for the St Andrew Trophy matches against the Continent of Europe at Royal Porthcawl GC in Wales next July.
He has spent four years serving on the R&A’s Boys team selection committee, including three as its chair, and also on the club’s Amateur Status Committee. He also captained Europe’s Junior Ryder Cup team in 2012 and 2014.
Wilson had an outstanding amateur career himself, after a short spell as an assistant club professional before quickly regaining his amateur status. He won the 2004 Amateur Championship, held on the Old Course at St Andrews to mark the 250th anniversary of the R&A, and played in the 2005 Masters Tournament at Augusta.
Wilson twice played in the Open, in 2001 at Royal Lytham and at 2004 at Royal Troon, where he won the Silver Medal for best amateur finisher on making the cut.
He won GB&I honours in 2003, playing in the winning home team against the USA at Ganton in Yorkshire. He also played for GB&I Pamler Cup teams twice, for Europe in the Bonallack Trophy and for Sctopland in the Eisenhower Trophy.
Matchplay was always Wilson’s forte when playing, his impeccable short game making him a tenacious opponent. Never the longest hitter, he opted not to turn professional and instead became the managing secretary at his home club, Forfar.
“I am very proud to be selected as the GB&I men’s team captain and look forward to leading a talented group of golfers at the St Andrews Trophy and the Walker Cup,” said Wilson.
“I have fond memories of my time as a player representing GB&I in these prestigious matches and I am determined to make a valuable contribution to the team as its leader and in helping the players.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on The R&A Boys’ Selection Committee and know first-hand the level of talent which is emerging. It feels like a very natural progression to be taking on this role to continue to foster these gifted amateur golfers.”
Wilson is a graduate of Abertay University and a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. He is married with two children.
