Hokie ClubFormer Virginia Tech golf Drew Weaverhas been named to the United States team that will compete in the2009 Walker Cup, to be player September 12-13 at the Merion Golf Clubin Ardmore, Pa. The players were selected by the International TeamSelection Committee of the United States Golf Association.
The Walker Cup, the amateur equivalentto the Ryder Cup, is the most prestigious amateur team golfcompetition in the world. Weaver was an alternate on the 2007 WalkerCup team following his victory in the 2007 British AmateurChampionship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in Lancashire, England.
Weaver is one of eight players selectedto the team so far. Two final team members will be added to the squadfollowing the U.S. Amateur at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., Aug.24-30. Joining Weaver on the team are Rickie Fowler, Brendan Gielow,Adam Mitchell, Brian Harman, Bud Cauley, Morgan Hoffmann and NathanSmith.
The biennial Walker Cup Match consistsof 16 singles matches and eight foursomes (alternate shot) matches.The U.S. team has won the last two Walker Cup matches, postingone-point victories at Chicago (Ill.) Golf Club in 2005 and RoyalCounty Down in 2007. The USA leads the series overall, 33-7-1.
The captain of the U.S. team is BuddyMarucci Jr., of Villanova, Pa. He was a playing member of the 1995and 1997 U.S teams, as well as the captain of the victorious 2007U.S. team at Royal County Down in Newcastle, Ireland. Marucci is thereigning USGA Senior Amateur champion, though he will not be able todefend his 2008 title due to a scheduling conflict with the WalkerCup Match.
Merion Golf Club has held 17 USGAchampionships, more than any other course. The club will host the2013 U.S. Open.