U.S. Walker Cup Captain Goes On The Defensive?

The U.S. Walker Cup captain Jim Holtgrieve was asked about his team in today's pre-Cup press conference.

Q. The last American Walker Cup team to come over here, to Royal County Down, proved to be very special. On paper do you think this team looks even better?

JIM HOLTGRIEVE: You know, I know what's been going on with all the conversations. These ten young men are a very, very strong, talented team. Every one to me could beat each one of them any day of the week. I will just tell you that comparing them to the three teams that I played on, it's the most talented ten young men I've ever seen play in a Walker Cup amongst the three teams that I played on.

Excellent answer. Next quest...oh wait...there's more?

Obviously we have a process. We select the guys, and these ten young men earned their way onto this team. They're not only talented in playing golf, but they're very respectful young men who honour the game and have a lot of respect for each other, which has really been quite a daunting -- not a task, but a daunting observation from me. I'll just say that they're just ten great players.

Sounds like the Captain anticipated a John Peterson question!