Paul McGinley insists Great Britain and Ireland must come roaring out of the traps if they’re to shock the USA and win just their third Walker Cup on US soil this weekend.

But hopes that the firm and fast, almost links-like Seminole could give GB&I an edge were dashed when an inch of rain flooded the course on Thursday night.

Add to that the mystery stomach bug that has affected up to five players from each side and the destiny of the trophy remains very much up in the air.

Kinsale’s John Murphy and England’s Angus Flanagan as well as two US players missed practice on Wednesday due to gastrointestinal issues before the number of affected players rose to 10 yesterday.

“All players from both teams have tested negative in their daily screenings and Covid-19 has been ruled out as the cause,” the R&A and USGA said in a statement.

“The players have adhered to the strict health and safety guidelines established as a code of conduct for the match. At this time, there is no expectation of a disruption to the timing of the matches of the biennial competition.”

England’s Alex Fitzpatrick said: “It’s a stomach bug, and I guess it’s gone around both teams. But I think it only lasts for 12 to 24 hours or something, so hopefully we have the full team back by tomorrow.“

Impressed by Murphy and Kilkenny’s Mark Power, McGinley gave the GB&I a talk on Wednesday, emphasising the importance of a fast start.

“We know from Ryder Cups that 82pc of matches that are up after six holes don’t lose,” he said. “You can still win matches from being down but certainly it makes it a lot easier if you get a good start.”

The course was rock hard early in the week with the greens stimping at 14 but Fitzpatrick said the course had changed after “crazy” torrential rain fell overnight.

“I’d say it will make it a bit more for target golf, but at the same time that can be a bit dangerous with all the runoffs,” he said.

“It’ll be interesting to see how much it’s affected play with what you prepared for at the start of the week and what today has been.”

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