Barnes primed for PGA Cup clash

Hampshire’s Jonathan Barnes is relishing the prospect of helping Great Britain and Ireland take on old rivals America in the PGA Cup.

The Ampfield Par 3 Golf Club director of golf is part of a 10-man team that will represent their country in the Ryder Cup equivalent for PGA Professionals, which takes place at Northumberland’s De Vere Slaley Hall from September 20-22.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the biennial contest and although Great Britain has not lifted the trophy since 2005, Barnes is confident the hosts can emerge victorious this time around.

“I’m really looking forward to the week and it will be good to try to beat the Americans,” he said.

“You have to go into it confident that you can win, and all we can do is go out there and beat those we’re put up against.”

The 42-year-old, a former England international in his amateur days, has been counting down to the start of the PGA Cup since he claimed his place in Russell Weir’s side, listing his inclusion in the team as one of his greatest achievements in the sport.

“I had a lot of really good moments as an amateur player, but making the team for this event would have to be the highlight of my career,” he said.

“Any PGA Professional would be proud to represent their country. I’ve spoken to a few who have played in it before and they said it’s a great event to be involved in.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the PGA Cup and I can’t wait for it to begin now.”

Barnes is no stranger to the match play format, having claimed the Hampshire Match play Championship on three occasions, and he is hoping to make his experience count at the PGA Cup.

“I enjoy match play”, he said. “You always know what you have to do and what you have to beat.

“I love playing in a team as well, I like the team spirit and getting to know the other lads you are playing alongside.”

Barnes’ excellent record over the last few weeks has left him feeling increasingly confident going into the event.

“It’s been a good summer of golf for me, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” he enthused. “I won the Hampshire Open earlier in the summer and since then I feel like I’ve been performing really well.

“Now I’m just excited to meet up with Russell and the guys and start preparing – it should be a really good week.”

The teams will compete for the Llandudno International Trophy which was donated to The PGA by the famous Alliss family in the early 1970s.

The imposing 18-pound piece of silverware dates back to before the Second World War where it was the prize for the Home Tournament Series between leading professionals of the day from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.