PGA No1 hoping to prove a good bet

There’s nothing like playing for a few quid to get the competitive juices going.

And as an introduction to your team mates, what better way than to have a small wager as you get to know them.

Slightly better off after the first full day at Slaley Hall for the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team is Richard Wallis, who was tackling the Hunting Course for the first time.

The Walmer & Kingsdown professional, the current PGA No 1, played with Scott Henderson, whose knowledge of the course stretches back a few years having finished fourth in a European Tour event in his Rookie-of-the-Year winning season.

The pair, who both sealed their place in the side via the PGA Play-Offs, gleefully took the cash off David Callaway and Nick Brennan as Russell Weir’s men began their preparations for this week’s head-to-head with the Americans.

“We had a little friendly fiver and Scott and I managed to duff them up,” said Wallis.

For Wallis this first day was about learning and ensuring no stone is left unturned by the time hostilities commence on Friday.

“All of them have played here before and they know the course well compared to me,” he added.

“When we were out there I was asking a lot of questions about the course, the usual kind of stuff, and trying to learn from that.

“I didn’t play here in the Glenmuir whereas the lads that did have the information. It’s all about preparation and I’m certainly not too proud to ask.”

As he arrived on Monday, he noted how the entrance to Slaley Hall gave no indication of the three-day clash it is about to host between the two teams.

If it was a tad understated, that is not the case inside the grounds, which is a hive of activity.

“I turned into the club and there’s wasn’t much advertising but when I reached the hotel it was a different story,” he said.

“The whole thing is really exciting. I’m buzzing as I qualified last year and have had so much time to think about it.

“I’ve spoken to a few people about it, including Darren Parris who has an unbelievable 5-0 win record. It was good to get his opinion and an insight as to what to expect.”

Also giving an insight into the nuances of the PGA Cup are the captain and the vice-captain Jon Bevan, who have 10 appearances between them.

“I’ve known Jon for about 10 years as I did my training in the East Region, when Jon was working in Essex,” he said.

“I’ve had three or four conversations with him recently as he has taken an active role in the build-up.

“Last night we had a team meeting, so the lads could all get to know each other and put faces to names.

“The other thing is we’re all rookies and regardless of the experience we have in terms of tournaments and winning titles, the PGA Cup is something none of us have experienced.

“Russell has played in eight and Jon two so they know what it is all about and you can’t ignore that.”

As the tournament edges closer to teeing off, Wallis will play with Gareth Wright, the Ginger Ninja to his team mates, tomorrow.

Wallis believes the two will play together in the tournament based not only playing time but the bond that exists between them.

“We played 36 holes together at the PGA Play-Offs and were both at the Wales Open a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

“When we were in Turkey, we both said it would be a good partnership if we qualified. I did, but of course Gareth only got in after David Higgins withdrew, which is something I like to remind him of!

“He’s a good player and I think we complement each other well. He hits it 40 yards further than me but I pitch and putt better than him, so it should be interesting.”