Brennan braced for PGA Cup baptism

Wiltshire’s Nick Brennan admits he has a ‘point to prove’ as one of the surprise packages in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup side.

The 31-year-old, who will make history next week as the very first graduate of the PGA’s Applied Golf Management Studies degree to play in the PGA Cup, is one of 10 rookies in the GB&I team that will take on the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall in the Ryder Cup equivalent for PGA Professionals.

The Bowood professional sealed his place in the side after finishing joint fourth in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship over the same venue in the summer.

But being in a GB&I side that features players that have considerable European Tour experience and have won national titles, Brennan is aware that he is a bit of unknown quantity.

“Qualifying for the team was a bit of a surprise for most people but not for me as I was playing well all week,” he said.

“I don’t know any of the other lads in the team, so it is a case of ‘who’s this lad’ so I’ve got a bit of a point to prove. I’m physically ready as I’ve been going to the gym three or four times a week and mentally I’m ready.”

Brennan will join his team-mates on Monday ahead of the three day event from September 20-22, which like the Ryder Cup features foursomes, fourballs and singles.

Ahead of the event he has been given a pep talk by PGA Cup vice captain Jon Bevan, formerly of Wessex Golf Centre, who has played in two PGA Cups.

“I know Jon from his time in the West Region and we’ve had a couple of lengthy chats about what to expect and how to deal with the whole occasion.

“Jon’s quite a ‘tub-thumping’ character while I’m a slightly quiet character, which is what I am most comfortable with.

“He told me the Americans will feel confident as they have won the last three times and as we’re a team of rookies they will expect to beat us.

“But we know we have to be up for it, focused at all times and just be very tough to beat. I’m looking forward to it.”

Brennan will have some close support in Northumberland, although his wife will be unable to join him as she is a teacher.

“My parents live in Zambia but happen to be back in Ireland during this time so will come over for the event, which is tremendous for me,” he said.

“It’s a real bonus to have them there. I have my best man from my wedding on my bag, however my wife has to work so can’t be here.

“That’s probably going to be the toughest part of the week.”

It is the 40th anniversary of the contest between the two transatlantic rivals with the Americans looking to win for a fourth straight time.