Godwin inspired by Ryder Cup rookies ahead of PGA Cup debut
26/09/2019
Jordan Godwin is taking inspiration from past Ryder Cup rookies as he prepares to make his PGA Cup debut for Great Britain & Ireland in Texas this week.
Godwin is one of ten PGA Professionals travelling across the Atlantic to take on their American counterparts at Barton Creek Resort, Austin, from September 27-29.
At 27, the Barnhurst Golf Club teaching professional knows he is one of the less experienced players in the Great Britain & Ireland team.
But Godwin is inspired after watching the heroics of previous Ryder Cup rookies who have been able to perform on the big stage at the first attempt.
Godwin said: “I remember watching Nicolas Colsaerts play his first match in the 2012 Ryder Cup and he was amazing. He went out and shot 10-under-par.
“Experience helps but pressure is something all 10 of us will be feeling because representing Great Britain & Ireland is a big thing for all of us.
“There’s a wealth of experience in this team and for me to be on it is a big positive. It’s great to have them playing alongside me because of what they’ve done and achieved in the game. Hopefully I can achieve what some of the players have down the line.”
It will be something of a family affair in Texas for Godwin who will be joined by his own army of fans, one of which will be right by his side throughout his PGA Cup journey.
“For me playing in the PGA Cup will be the biggest thing I’ve achieved in golf,” Godwin continued. “It’s massive for me. My family and friends are coming out to support me because it means a big deal to them as well.
“I’ve got a few people heading out; mum, dad, stepdad, stepmum, girlfriend, a couple of good friends and my brother is caddying for me during the week. I want them there but I don’t think they’d have it any other way. They’ve supported me from a young age so it’s nice for them to enjoy this big and special moment with me.”
Having won the last two PGA Cup matches and with a wealth of European Tour experience in their ranks, Great Britain & Ireland head to America as slight favourites.
Godwin has been impressed with how well the team is clicking ahead of the 29th PGA Cup matches and is confident the visitors can successfully defend the Llandudno International Trophy.
“Everyone on the team seems very similar in terms of personalities so I don’t think anyone is going to clash,” Godwin added.
“I think Rob (Coles) would be a good playing partner, certainly to start off with. He has a wealth of experience and he’s played in a PGA Cup before so he knows what it means. We get on quite well on a personal level as well, we’ve got quite a bit in common so he’s potentially a good partner. I’d also like to play with Jason Levermore too.
“I’m really confident we can win in America again. I was listening to some of the stuff Michael Watson (Vice-Captain) was saying in the team meeting at Foxhills in July in terms of the amount of money won, European Tour events played in our team - that fills you with confidence. I think we’ve got a really good chance of winning again.”
