"It was incredible": Connor Graham reflects on the Walker Cup as the best experience of his golfing career so far

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Connor Graham is reflecting on the “best golfing experience” of his life after competing in the Walker Cup.The 16-year-old, from Blairgowrie, became the youngest player ever to tee-up in the high-profile amateur event against the United States of America.He proudly represented Great Britain and Ireland in front of huge crowds at The Home of Golf last Saturday and Sunday.“It was incredible - definitely the best golfing experience of my life,” Connor told the PA this week.“Everything about it was so special.

It was my first Walker Cup and it was at the Home of Golf.”While GB&I were edged out 14½-11½ overall, Connor did himself more than proud across the event.He memorably teamed-up with fellow Scot Calum Scott to defeat Caleb Surratt and Ben James 3&2 in Saturday morning’s Foursomes.The same pair put up a terrific fight the following day but Americans Nick Dunlap and Gordon Sargent - the latter the world’s number one amateur - clinched a one-up victory.In his singles match on Sunday, Connor pushed Stewart Hagestad - who has US Open and Masters appearances behind him - all the way.Connor said: “I know Calum well so it was nice to have someone like that as my partner.

That home crowd for the two of us was just absolutely incredible.“We both played really good in that match on Saturday and didn’t really make any mistakes.

The crowd helped push us on.”Connor then took confidence from going close against Hagestad in the singles.“It was very tight most of the way and we both played some good golf,” he said. “He just holed more putts at the right time.“It definitely helps knowing that I can play and compete with some of the best amateurs in the world.“Most of them are very highly-ranked in the world.