GB&I ‘ready to go’ in bid for more PGA Cup history

Greig Hutcheon and Chris Currie have both been thrown straight into action by fellow Scot Albert Mackenzie as Great Britain & Ireland bid to create history in the second PGA Cup running at Foxhills in Surrey.

Two years after claiming a first victory on US soil in the event at Cordevalle in California, GB&I are now attempting to re-write the record books once more in the club professionals’ equivalent of the Ryder Cup over the next three days.

With Mackenzie at the helm, they are seeking to record back-to-back victories for the first time under the current set up, having achieved that feat in 1983 and 1984 in matches played at Muirfield and Turnberry.

Mackenzie, who was one of Englishman Jon Bevan’s assistants at Cordevalle, has a strong side at his disposal, with eight of his 10-man team having been European Tour players, including 2008 Volvo China Open winner Damian Mcgrane.

“I was beyond privileged to be asked to represent our wonderful Association as captain of the 2017 PGA Cup team,” said Mackenzie, who cut his golfing teeth at Hopeman on the Moray coast and is now in his 17th year as head professional at Saunton in Devon.

“Being at Cordevalle was a great insight for me. Captain Jon and I were in constant dialogue going into that event, putting a template in place that would prove to be successful. We have moved towards the 2017 matches using this proven formula and my goal now is to create history once more by successfully defending the PGA Cup after winning in America.”

Hutcheon, who played in the 2013 draw at Slaley Hall in Northumberland, has been paired with Mcgrane in the opening fourball session, which will see Currie partner another Irishman, David Higgins.

“The atmosphere is great,” said Currie, who is attached to Caldwell. “Bert and the vice-captains have done a terrific job. The guys have bonded well and we are ready to go.”