Walker Cup captain Edwards gets new role in England

NIGEL Edwards, the man who led Great Britain & Ireland to a dramatic Walker Cup win at Royal Aberdeen last month, has been appointed as the new director of coaching for the English Golf Union.

The 43-year-old is leaving his current post as director of player development with the Golf Union of Wales to take over from Peter Mattsson when he returns to his homeland to become the director of elite performance for Swedish Sports.

“I am sorry to be leaving Wales, but I feel we have developed a structure which will continue to benefit Welsh golf.” said Edwards. “There are more players and a bigger budget in England so it is a great career opportunity; I think I can really make an impact there with the skills I have already developed.

“England are pretty successful, all you have to do is look at someone like Tom Lewis, who was part of our winning Walker Cup team and has already won a European Tour event. However, my aim is to make an even greater contribution there, too.”

After playing in four Walker Cup, Edwards became a winning captain at the first attempt as GB&I beat a strong American side at Balgownie Links. It has become normal practice for Walker Cup captains to be in charge for two matches and The Scotsman understands the EGU are “very positive” about Edwards retaining the post for the next encounter in two years’ time.

In the meantime, Wales’ loss is England’s gain. “The level of amateur golf in England is exceptionally high and we were looking for an extraordinarily high-calibre candidate to fill this vacancy,” said EGU chief executive, John Petrie. “Nigel’s experience both on and off the course is outstanding and we are looking forward to working with him and continuing to develop the success of English golf.”

GUW counterpart Richard Dixon added: “We would like to congratulate Nigel on his new role and wish him well.”