Team camaraderie has been proven to be an essential component of success at professional team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, but the pros have the advantage of seeing each other and playing with one another throughout the year. Further, many of them have represented their country together before in previous Ryder or Presidents Cup matches.
Related: Meet the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup Team
Related: TOURNAMENT CENTRAL: The Walker Cup
It's different for the amateurs. True, many of the college-aged guys have seen each other as they have grown up playing junior tournaments, and maybe have played together a handful of times in college or amateur circles. But they cross paths far more infrequently than the pros, and someone like Stewart Hagestad might have never even met someone like Doc Redman before they were both named to the team two weeks ago. Maverick McNealy is the only player on the squad to have played in a Walker Cup before.
It's a unique challenge for the USGA and Captain John "Spider" Miller. Their solution is to put together a whirlwind of golf and social activities leading up to the Walker Cup to serve as a crash course in team bonding that they hope will carry over into the Match itself and help bring the U.S. a much-need victory after a disappointing defeat two years ago in England.
“During these days, we’re getting the guys to know each other and sorting through who we’re going to pair in foursomes,” Miller said.
Here is the schedule of activities for the U.S. team, from arrival in L.A. to the start of the Walker Cup Match:
Thu Aug 31
Arrival in Los Angeles, practice at Los Angeles Country Club
Fri Sep 1
Arrival in Los Angeles, practice at Los Angeles Country Club
Sat Sep 2
Visit to Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour; Practice round at Bel-Air Country Club in west L.A.
Sun Sep 3
Practice round at Los Angeles Country Club; Visit to Universal Studios in Hollywood
Mon Sep 4
Visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley; Practice round at the Valley Club of Montecito in Santa Barbara
Tue Sep 5
Practice and play at Los Angeles Country Club
Wed Sep 6
Practice and play at Los Angeles Country Club
Thu Sep 7
Lunch with former President George W. Bush; Practice and play at Los Angeles Country Club
Fri Sep 8
Official Practice Rounds at Los Angeles Country Club; Walker Cup Opening Ceremony
Sat Sep 9
The 46th Walker Cup matches begin
Related: Walker Cup: TV Times, Schedule of Play from Los Angeles CC
- Golfweek contributed to this report