Luke Donald On The Walker Cup: "I think it's the pinnacle of amateur golf."

Iain Carter looks at the Great Britain and Ireland squad headed to National Golf Links for this week's Walker Cup and they sound like a confident coach judging by the remarks of Captain Nigel Edwards.

But he opens with this from two-time Walker Cupper Luke Donald:

England's Luke Donald went on to become the best player in the world, but only after winning appearances in 1999 and 2001. The significance of the match was certainly not lost on him.

"It meant enough to postpone turning pro and wanting to play my second Walker Cup at Sea Island," Donald said. "For me it was a big deal to make that team and represent my country. I think it's the pinnacle of amateur golf."

That 2001 contest was the last time GB and Ireland won away from home. Among Donald's team-mates were Graeme McDowell, Michael Hoey, Nick Dougherty and Marc Warren.

Also in the side was Welshman Nigel Edwards, who will perform his second stint as non-playing captain at the National Golf Links of America at Southampton, New York this weekend.

Edwards led GB & I to victory at Royal Aberdeen two years ago and firmly believes his young team can match the exploits of those a dozen years ago and defend the trophy at the course known simply as "The National".

"They've all been fantastic this summer and none of them have backed off," Edwards told BBC Sport.

"They've been playing nicely and they've been winning.

"Not just winning, but winning well and all over the world."