HOYLAKE, England – Two years ago, just one member of the U.S. Walker Cup team turned pro right after the match. This year, five members of a victorious American squad are set to make the jump after a five-point triumph at Royal Liverpool.
Stanford teammates Brandon Wu and Isaiah Salinda, Duke’s Alex Smalley and Georgia Southern’s Steven Fisk all graduated earlier this year, and all waited to turn for the opportunity to represent their country. They will be joined by 17-year-old Akshay Bhatia, who will forego college altogether and make his pro debut in three weeks at the Safeway Open.