Farmer’s battlers bid to end 21 years of American domination

GOLF fans who can’t wait until next year’s Ryder Cup can enjoy a taste of things to come at The K Club’s Smurfit Course this weekend (September 23-25), when British and American pros battle it out for The PGA Cup.

The club professionals’ equivalent of the Ryder Cup is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the golfing calendar, but Great Britain and Ireland will be hoping for a slice of Irish luck as they bid to end 21 years of American domination of the competition.

GB&I captain Jim Farmer is backing his team to upset their Atlantic cousins but it will be a mammoth task with America including Ron Philo Jnr and current American PGA Club Professional Mike Small.

Philo Jnr and Small both made the cut at this year’s US PGA Championship, with Philo Jnr underlining his quality by sharing 66th spot at Baltusrol with Ryder Cup players Luke Donald and Chris Riley, and finishing ahead of Mark Calcavecchia and John Daly.

But Farmer, who will be assisted by County Meath and Headfort professional Brendan McGovern, believes his team has what it takes to bring home the Llandudno Trophy to PGA headquarters at the Belfry.

“We’ve got a good blend of experience and I don’t see a big gap between our guys and the Americans in the technical sense although mentally perhaps they’ve had the edge in recent years,” explained Farmer.

“If we can be strong mentally I think we’ve got a good a chance as any.

“Obviously we have not won it for a while so that brings its own pressure but if we get the pairings right then hopefully we can deflate that worry about nerves being a problem.”

Entry to The K Club is free with an added incentive for spectators, who automatically gain entry into a free prize draw to win a four-ball round at The K Club.

Match times

Friday 8.15-8.51am (4 x foursome matches) 1pm-1.45pm (4 x fourball matches)

Saturday 8.15-8.51am (4 x foursome matches) 1pm-1.45pm (4 x fourball matches)

Sunday 9.30-11.00am (10 x singles matches).