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Overseas Entrants Target St Andrews Links Contact Paul Kirkcaldy (March 27, 2003) - Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari could well be contenders for the St Andrews Links Trophy which will be played over the Old Course and New Course from 23rd to 25th May. Edoardo, +5 handicap and Francisco, +4, are two of the 90 players so far entered with handicaps better than +1, and with over two weeks remaining until entries close, it is certain that there will be yet another world-class field. Francisco is Italy's top player and capped a successful 2002 by finishing top of their order of merit. For several years he and his brother have been regular members in the Italian international team. Other top players from overseas include Americans Andy Matthews, John Hamm, John Pate, Randolph Haag Trey Owen and Robert Gerwin II, all potential winners with handicaps better than +2. Since the St Andrews Links started in 1989, only Stuart Bouvier of Australia has taken the trophy overseas. A name from one of the home nations would therefore seem destined for the silverware. Walker Cup players Nigel Edwards and Phillip Rowe have already entered and will have competition from the other top players who make up the elite squad from which this year's team for the September match at Ganton will be selected. Other elite squad members entered include Graham Gordon, Stuart Manley, Graeme Clark, Lee Harpin, Farren Keenan, Matthew Richardson, Daniel Wardrop, Michael Skelton and Lee Corfield. |