Pugh preparing Molinari for Ryder Cup showdown

PGA Professionals will play an integral role in helping team Europe claim back the Ryder Cup trophy in Paris next week.

Eight of the 12-member European team from the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club were coached in some capacity by a PGA Professional.

Rory McIlroy has developed his game alongside well-respected coach Michael Bannon, Phil Kenyon has helped World Number One Justin Rose improve his putting game, while Pete Cowen has worked with 2016 Open Championship winner Henrik Stenson for a number of years.

Denis Pugh is one of the most respected golf coaches in the game. The 63-year-old helped Francesco Molinari to his first Open title in July at Carnoustie, and the experienced PGA Master Professional will be part of the Italian’s support team in France. He was also coach to Colin Montgomery at five Ryder Cup matches.

“Coaching at a Ryder Cup is very different to coaching at a major,” said Pugh.

“At major events there is a planned schedule with the player and his team going about business as normal. The Ryder Cup is much less structured and the captain calls the shots.

“It’s a special atmosphere because it’s an event played on every two years with the European players playing together with one goal; to be holding that trophy on Sunday evening.

“I must be a lucky mascot since I’ve never experienced what must be the huge let down of defeat and I’m always proud to represent my association whatever the format.

“I will be helping Francesco in a support role as time is at a premium at a Ryder Cup; everything is going faster than usual once the action starts.

“I’ll be preparing him during warm-ups, walking the course mainly observing and making any relevant stuff known to him. Clarity is needed with so much happening around him. This was very important at Carnoustie, keeping his mind clear of distractions, there are plenty of those.”

“Next week I’ll mostly be a cheerleader because we will have the work done long before Paris.”