James Byrne non-selection explained

From Hamish Grey Chief Executive Scottish Golf Union Colin, I was just reading your comments from the weekend and feel if read without understanding the process of selection and when teams have to be announced by, then your comments are both unfair and unhelpful. For the record, the European Men's Team was selected after the Links Trophy. It was announced the following week once everyone was confirmed as fit and available. The rules of the competition require teams to be named within a certain time and this means we cannot wait until after the Amateur Championship to select the team. This and a run of form such as James' is enjoying currently are therefore always possibilities! The selection may take account of world rankings but that remains only one element considered. Form throughout the year to the time of selection, suitability to the course the event is on etc etc are considered as you would expect. James did not play regularly in the US this year and had little tournament play or form here prior to the team being selected. Finally, should James keep up this form then Walker Cup is a definite possibility. You only need to look at the example of Danny Willett last time round to see what can happen. I hope this helps put in context this situation. Hamish Grey