Troon Welbeck star Michael Stewart tipped for Walker Cup

Mar 11 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

WELBECK wonder Michael Stewart is set to become the first player from the Troon club to play in the Walker Cup.

Stewart, who was 21 on Sunday, is the first Scot to win the South African Amateur Championship.

It comes only seven months after he won the Scottish Amateur at Gullane.

Remarkably, in both finals, he beat his friend Paul Shields from Kirkhill - 8&7 and 5&4.

Now Welbeck members expect Stewart to make history when the Walker Cup team is named for Royal Aberdeen in September.

Club stalwart Cliff Francis said: “We were only formed in 1975 but our profile has never been higher.

“Our juniors swept the board in Ayrshire last season. Michael’s achievements mean he must have a great chance of making the Walker Cup.”

Stewart joked: “It would have been a pretty dismal 21st if I hadn’t won. This rates right up there with winning the Scottish Amateur last year; I can’t be prouder.

“I just heard this gets me into the South African Open Championship; I might tee it up with Ernie Els - that would be just stupendous. I’ll have to hit the gym and start beefing up straight away.

“To have my name alongside famous names such as Bobby Locke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman, who all went on to win Majors, is incredible.”