Open hero Lewis to take on Americans

Tom Lewis, the 20-year-old from Welwyn Garden City who last month became the first amateur in 43 years to lead the Open, with a record 65, was one of five English players named yesterday in the Britain and Ireland side for next month's Walker Cup match against the United States at Royal Aberdeen.

After his Sandwich heroics, Lewis resisted the temptation to join the paid ranks immediately and decided to stay amateur until after the Walker Cup. The Independent understands he will sign up with IMG the day following the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup and make his professional debut at the Austrian Open 10 days later.

Stiggy Hodgson is also expected to turn pro later this year. The 21-year-old from Sunningdale is the only survivor from the team beaten two years ago.

At 17, Wales's Rhys Pugh is by far the youngest member of compatriot Nigel Edwards' team.

GB & Irl team to play US in Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen on 11-12 Sept S Brown (24, Wentworth), J Byrne (22, Banchory), P Cutler (22, Portstewart), A Dunbar (21, Rathmore), S Hodgson (21, Sunningdale), T Lewis (20, Welwyn Garden City), R Pugh (17, Vale of Glamorgan), J Senior (23, Heysham), M Stewart (21, Troon Welbeck), A Sullivan (24, Nuneaton). Non-playing captain N Edwards.