The United States team has been hit with a stomach bug with three players, including world number one Preston Stout, missing Thursday's Walker Cup dinner. William Jennings and Ethan Fang were the others affected and US captain Nathan Smith said first reserve Max Herendeen had been put on standby before deciding he would not make the journey from America.

"Just a quick bug for them, and they feel great," he said. "And they were bouncing around today and they felt better than I think they said they've felt in a while." Speaking of weather, strong winds buffeted the County Clare links as both sides completed their preparations. Similar conditions are expected for the match.

"It could be strong throughout the weekend, but it's perfectly playable," said Robertson. "You have to adapt. You have to improvise." Tough weather is expected to favour the home side. In preparation, Robertson set up short game tests for his players in final practice.

Sell-out crowds will support a team that includes Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup hero Ian as well as Jack Whaley, the Doncaster golfer who won the recent US Amateur title, and Amateur champion Stuart Grehan - the lone Irishman in the home line-up. It is the first time since 2013 that GB & I have fielded the winners of the two most prestigious events on the amateur calendar.