Rouse sets sights on replicating success in America with PGA Cup win

11/09/2024

PGA Cup Captain Tim Rouse has already savoured success in the USA – albeit from a distance and backstage as 2018 Senior PGA Championship winner Paul Broadhurst’s coach.

Now as PGA Cup captain, Rouse will have his feet planted firmly on American soil, tasked with leading his Great Britain and Ireland team at Sunriver Resort, Oregon, to what would be a rare away win.

In previous attempts, Great Britain and Ireland have not travelled well in the biennial match that was first contested in 1973. They have won just once in 15 attempts when the 2015 vintage bucked the trend at Cordevalle, California, and it’s a paucity of success that has not escaped Rouse.

“We're conscious there's only one GB&I team that’s won in the USA, and we'd very much like to be the second team that does it, so we're putting all our efforts into it,” he said.

In making those efforts, Rouse started with a blank canvas. “I hadn't got a blueprint to work from, so, the first thing I did was talk to a lot of past players who've played in recent matches,” he reflected. “And I took the time to speak to quite a few of the past captains as well.

“I got a good feel from the players of what I thought they wanted. But then, I've done it my own way, trying to pull the best ideas together.”

In fulfilling his role as captain, however, Rouse will not be flying solo. He has enlisted the help of Graham Walker, PGA Master Professional and short-game coach to seven-time DP World Tour winner and Ryder Cup player Tommy Fleetwood.

“I've brought in Graham Walker as vice-captain specifically to help behind the scenes,” Rouse explained.

“He's got vast experience, is a great asset for me and a very comforting shoulder to lean on. He is also full of great advice and wisdom - I think we're going to make a good pairing.

“Graham has also worked with quite a few of the players, and he's worked at the highest level. For me, preparation for America is a lot around adjusting to the altitude and the short game play of that golf course.

“We've been working quietly behind the scenes to try and get everybody ready for when they get there. Not least during the team get-together at The Belfry and nearby Whittington Heath Golf Club last month. And to good effect.

“I spent 10 minutes on the range with Graham and he massively helped my pitching,” reported James Ruth, one of five players in Rouse’s team who have played in previous matches.

“I played in the last one at Foxhills and absolutely loved it. I love team golf and can't wait to get out to America.”

Matt Cort also played in that match and, having represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 2017 and 2019 encounters, and is the most experienced member of Rouse’s 10-strong team. In addition, he is the only one to have tasted success – at Foxhills in 2017.

He and Scotland’s Craig Lee are the only survivors from the team that last played in the USA, at Barton Creek, Texas, in 2019 but Cort is cognisant the Sunriver Resort will present a different challenge due to its altitude.

“The big thing that the team is trying to get their heads around is the altitude issue,” he explained. “I think it's about 4,000 feet, which affects the golf ball and how far it flies. We’ve done some work in trying to predict how far the ball is going to go. So, I think once we get there, our early practice is going to be a lot of yardage stuff.”

Cort is also mindful of the physical and mental demands the match places on the players and added: “I've played 14 out of 15 matches in the three competitions I’ve been involved, and I've only been rested once.

“If you play twice in one day the adrenaline gets you through because physically it's hard work.”

Not that the 49-year-old is complaining. The chance to represent GB&I again certainly outweighs the physical challenges.

“This will be my fourth PGA Cup, which is pretty amazing, or it shows how old I am!” he continued. “It's always huge honour to represent your country and I’m looking forward to it.”

As the team’s sole representative from Wales, Toby Hunt also takes a patriotic view.

“I don’t think many Welshmen have played in the PGA Cup,” he said. “So that makes it even more special for me. Although I take some stick for it at times, I always fly the flag with a lot of pride.”

Who better then to play a major part in bringing back the Llandudno Trophy, the silverware named after one of his country’s most popular seaside towns that is presented to the winning team?

Play begins on Friday, September 13^th and GB&I are determined to debunk the bad luck superstition by starting the three-day battle on a high note.

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To see more images from Tuesday's practice, click here.

To see more images from Wednesday's practice, click here.