Ben Bolton has just had, in his own words, “the best experience of my life,” being a part of the first winning GB & Ireland Walker Cup team in over 20 years, in Lahinch, Ireland this September.
The experience was invaluable and has taught this talented 19-year-old Midlander a great deal about elite golf, at the same time, strengthening his desire to be a big part of it for years to come. Plus he was able to be a part of a special moment in amateur golfing history, and a memorable celebration afterwards, once the winning putt dropped.
Time for a follow up to the chat we had with Ben 12 months ago in the magazine. Last month we sat down again with Ben inside the clubhouse he calls home, Enville Golf Club, South Staffordshire.
On the run up to the event, Ben, who was always in a great place to get a spot on the team didn’t quite have the summer he wanted.
“I had an injury for a couple of weeks, bad timing and I was a little worried it put me back a bit. But I came back and played as I had been doing before. They don’t let you know how you’re doing in terms of selection but I did know a couple of guys who were told they wouldn’t be on the team. At the same time, they kept the conversation going with me, so I felt I had done enough at that stage.”
NOTHING I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE
Ben’s Walker Cup debut didn’t quite go as well as he’d dreamed of in terms of points on the board but he came mighty close in his two singles matches, both against higher ranked Americans that could have genuinely gone the other way. However, the overall experience and ultimate team joy overwhelmed any personal regret.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever done before to be honest, it was amazing. The practice rounds, the day before, maybe 1,000 or so spectators, so that was nice. Day one of the event, more like 8,000 there, a bit nerve-wracking at first. But no point being nervous, they’re all on our side and want us to do well.”
“There’s always that thought that you don’t want to fail in front of them, but you’re in the moment, it’s just kind of normal process. It was just a privilege to play in front of so many people.”
“I played good, but not quite excellent enough I suppose. I enjoyed playing against the better Americans like Hagestad. Everyone was saying oh you’re unlucky with that draw, but I didn’t see it that way at all. For me, I would much rather play against people like him. He’s played in six or seven of them, why not play against him, tap into that experience? A very good stepping stone for my career.”
As for the celebration following the team’s superb final day fightback….
“It was amazing, I have never been in a team environment like that before. It’s been 11 years and we haven’t won in that time, 6 or 7 Walker Cups, so it felt so special, especially the way it happened. The lads in the final groups, all of them had to hole five or six footers, and they did.”
IN AT THE DEEP END
Coming home, Ben was soon back down to earth, he’s that sort of character anyway, calm and focussed and his parents who follow him everywhere he goes don’t ever let him get over-confident or arrogant. He also picked up an injury in Ireland, was grounded from golf at the time of our chat! So, what comes next?
“I think all being well another Walker Cup. I’m happy to wait before turning pro, another two years getting a little fitter, and hopefully fewer injuries because you cannot afford them – you have got to hit the ground running. Depending on ranking and another Walker Cup in two years, it might get me straight on the DP World, and I’ll only be 21 by then anyway.”
Currently following his exploits this season, Ben has risen to no65 in the World Amateur rankings, not too shabby for a just turned 19-year old.
Lahinch images – David Westwood (Luxury Golf Brands)
Trophy winning picture – Ross Parker R&A via Getty Images
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