Barham puts in the extra mile for PGA Cup bid

Benn Barham is hoping extra fitness sessions pay off when he represents Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA Cup clash with the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall from September 20-22.

The Kent PGA pro has stepped up his training and practice in a bid to help Russell Weir’s GB&I team recapture the Llandudno Trophy which has resided in American hands over the past three encounters.

And while of late the European and Challenge Tour veteran has been ploughing his skills into coaching at Kings Hill Golf Club, playing remains important to him and defeating the US at the Northumberland resort in the PGA Professional’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup is high on his agenda.

“I’ve been working on fitness because I figure playing 36 holes in a day will require plenty of stamina and you need to be in shape for that,” said Barham, who three years ago had a cancerous kidney removed.

“Everything I’ve done since qualifying has been with the PGA Cup in mind, it’s definitely going to be the highlight of the year.

“It’s an honour to represent your country in this event. I know a lot of seriously good players that have never played in the PGA Cup and you can almost see their disappointment that they’ve never managed to make the team so I want to make the most of it.

“I hope my experience can be an asset and if I can impart any advice to anyone in the team and that gives us an advantage then I’m happy to.

“I’m there as a team member to contribute in any way I can.”

The biennial contest celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with the US dominating the victories column but Barham is bullish about their prospects despite none of Weir’s team having previously played in the event.

“Although we have a team of rookies as far as the PGA Cup is concerned I’m really confident we have a strong team,” he added.

“I’m really looking forward to getting there, meeting all the guys and generating the team spirit. I’ve spoken to a few of the guys, everybody is really up for it and we will bring a lot of energy to it.

“The fact we are underdogs means in true British form we will be really up for it and I’m sure we’ll give it a really good go.”