ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 17, 2013) -  The United States Golf Association on Wednesday announced the first five Walker Cup players to represent the United States this coming September at National Golf Links of America in Southampton, N.Y. 

“We are proud of the players who have been chosen to represent the USA when the Walker Cup returns to its historic birthplace,” said Thomas J. O’Toole, Jr., USGA vice president and chairman of the USGA’s Championship Committee. “I have no doubt that every one of these young men is ready for the challenge presented by the team from Great Britain and Ireland. Each will perform with distinction and bring honor to a competition and a place that have a unique connection to the game’s history.”

Based on the competitive profiles and collegiate careers of the players selected, none came as a surprise. They are: 

Max Homa, 22, of Valencia, Calif. (Recent grad of University of Cal)

Michael Kim, 20, of Del Mar, Calif. (Cal junior)

Cory Whitsett, 21, of Houston, Texas (Alabama senior)

Patrick Rodgers, 21, of Avon, Ind.(Stanford junior)

Justin Thomas, 20, Goshen, Ky. (Alabama junior)

RELATED: Read USGA Profiles on Each Player

The USGA also said they'll make their remaining five picks shortly after the U.S. Amateur, which will be played at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. from August 12-18. Two of those picks will be mid-amateur players. 

Met Area players with Walker Cup aspirations include two-time reigning MGA Player of the Year Mike Miller of Brewster, N.Y. (he was invited by the USGA to a 16-person Walker Cup practice session in December), five-time MGA champion and Stanford senior Cameron Wilson of Rowayton, Conn., and current Player of the Year points leader Max Buckley of Rye, N.Y.