Alex Fitzpatrick earns Walker Cup call

The 20-year-old has been named as part of the ten-man team to face the United States at Royal Liverpool from September 7.

Fitzpatrick – a Hallamshire Golf Club member – currently plays his golf for Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

He finished fifth at last year’s US Amateur Championship and is ranked 41st in the world amateur rankings.

Great Britain and Ireland are looking to win back the Walker Cup after a 19-7 defeat in Los Angeles in 2017.

Fitzpatrick’s older brother Matt was part of the team that lost 17-9 to the US in 2013.

Meanwhile, Rotherham Golf Club’s Ben Schmidt has been named as first reserve for the GB & Ireland team.

Team captain Craig Watson said: "It has been a very difficult decision to select ten players for Great Britain and Ireland from a strong squad but we have been very impressed with the results of those we have picked and we believe they will give us the best chance of regaining the Walker Cup against a strong American team."

“The Walker Cup is a fantastic opportunity for those amateurs to demonstrate their talents on the big stage and it will be an experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

“We are looking forward to the match at Hoylake and I’m sure the players will give it their very best to win.”