Three Wales players have been selected in the preliminary Walker Cup squad for one of amateur golf’s biggest challenges against the USA.

Ben Chamberlain, Padeswood and Buckley, Jake Hapgood, Southerndown, and Archie Davies, Carlisle, have all been included in the Great Britain and Ireland initial squad of players in preparation for this year’s Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool in September.

“This is a great honour for these three players and shows their performances at international level have been recognised by the GB and I selectors,” said Wales Golf director of performance Gillian O’Leary.

“Of course this is just a start for them, while other players still have time to force their way into contention with their performances this season.

“All three have worked very hard with our high performance team over the winter and showed good form in the European Nations Cup in Spain against many of the top amateur players in Europe.

“Wales finished fourth in Europe, a massive result after winning the competition two years ago and fielding a completely new team.

“They have plenty of work to do this summer to underscore that early season promise and force their way into the Walker Cup team.

“Of course Wales had two representatives in the last Walker Cup team, Jack Davidson and David Boote, so it would be nice to match that this time round – or go one better.”

Chamberlain was tied fifth in the European Nations Cup in Sotogrande, with Hapgood tied 11th and Davies tied 22nd.
Irish Boys champion Davies was also named as the Wales Golf Amateur Player of the Year last month, as well as representing GB&I at Boys level in the Jacques L’Eglise Trophy, while Hapgood won the Wales Golf Order of Merit last season.

Twenty-six players have been named in the initial Walker Cup squad, which will be whittled down to a final 10 later in the summer.