It's September, and although there is no Ryder Cup this year, international team golf is in full swing. The Solheim Cup is a week away, preceded this weekend by the Walker Cup on the west coast of Ireland.

"It's the Ryder Cup for amateurs," says 19-year-old Ben Bolton, from Wombourne, one of two Midlanders in the 10-man team to take on the USA at Lahinch, in County Clare. Bolton, the team's youngest member, added: "I'll be nervous, of course. I'm so excited just to be there - but to win it would be special. It's the pinnacle of amateur golf."

His fellow Midlander Sam Easterbrook, from Tamworth, plays his domestic golf at Olton, near Solihull, and is on a golf scholarship in Indiana. "That has been the best experience of my life," he said. The team also features Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter, and Tyler Weaver, son of former jockey Jason Weaver.

The Walker Cup is usually biennial but has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the Eisenhower Trophy. It is played over two days, with 26 points available. The USA are holders and need only 13 points to retain the trophy.