Clarke fired up by Poults message

A good luck message from Ian Poulter has helped fire up Nottinghamshire golfer Lee Clarke ahead of one of the biggest moments of his career.

The Beeston Fields Golf Club pro is part of the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup facing the United States at CordeValle Golf Club, California from September 18-20.

Ryder Cup legend Poulter, who came through the PGA ranks himself before becoming a world superstar, has recorded a good luck video message to Jon Bevan’s GB&I team as they bid to win on US soil for the first time in the event’s 42 year history.

“When I first heard that message the hairs on my neck stood up. I’ve never had that happen before – normally it’s a song or an occasion but to hear Poulter wishing us luck in the PGA Cup made it real and I can’t wait.”

Clarke’s preparations have been going well with a session under long-time coach Nick Huby yielding instant returns with a seven under par score in a recent county pro-am at Coxmoor while he has also been working on the mental side of the game with his old boss Alun Wardle.

“I’m buzzing and really can’t wait to get out there, put the shirt on and get started,” he added.

The biennial event, the club pros’ Ryder Cup, has the same format with foursomes, fourballs and singles.

America has a strong grip on the Llandudno Trophy which the teams contest and Clarke is braced for the challenge.

“The way I see it, whatever match I have got in front of me, I will do the best I can. Do I think it will be good enough? Yes I do.

“The GB&I team had a great get together at The Belfry which was a lovely touch, we get on great as a group and there is so much positive energy.”

Clarke is no stranger to golfing in America having done a four year sports science degree at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Georgia.

His wife Natalie, also a PGA pro, will be out cheering him on and another PGA pro Gavin Timms, based out in San Francisco, is set to caddy for him.

“Gavin is an old friend who happens to be based in San Francisco so we’re going to meet up and if the chemistry is good he will be on the bag.

“I’ve never played for my country before, it’s very special and I want to savour every moment.”