Bevan backs charges to break American hoodoo

Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup captain Jon Bevan believes his team have the character and determination to conquer America and make history in California.

Bevan admitted he was delighted with the make-up of his team following the conclusion of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at Burnham & Berrow.

Champion Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton) qualified for the team as did runners up Gareth Wright (West Linton) and Cameron Clark (Moor Hall) while Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool), Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) and Lee Clarke (Beeston Fields) came through a four-man play-off with Snainton’s Alex Belt.

Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin), Jason Levermore (Channels) and David Dixon (Enmore Park) were already in the team via last December’s PGA Play-Offs.

Bevan now just has a captain’s pick remaining to complete the ten-man team which will fly out to CordeValle in September bidding to become the first GB&I side to ever win on American soil.

The Rhos-on-Sea pro spent the week at Burnham & Berrow assessing the front-runners who were heading up the charge for a place in the team.

Bevan admitted the tough conditions ensured the players have the strength of character to compete in the States.

“Burnham & Berrow’s always going to give us great players, and the lads out there were always going to have to show us their character in this weather,” he concluded.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the make-up of the team so far, and we still have one big decision yet to make.

“We’ve got some good characters and we need nothing less than our A-game when we go out there.”

But Bevan reserved a special mention for Wessex pro Watson, a long-time work colleague of Bevan’s, who came through the tense four man play-off to claim his place in the team.

“I’ve worked very hard to stay impartial all week,” he explained.

“Mike is the only person that I nearly shed a tear for because I know just how much it means to him.

“I’m delighted to have a player of his undoubted skills and talent on my side.”