Wallis looking for Ryder Cup inspiration

Richard Wallis will stick on the DVD of the Medinah Miracle – Europe’s stunning Ryder Cup triumph - to help fire him up for Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup clash with the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall next week.

The reigning PGA No.1 is looking to draw inspiration from Ian Poulter and co as he bids to play a key role in recapturing the Llandudno Trophy at the Northumberland resort from September 20-22.

The Kent-based 32-year-old from Walmer & Kingsdown earned his place in Russell Weir’s GB&I team via his second successive win in last year’s PGA Play-Offs in Turkey.

He has been eagerly counting down the days to his debut in the Ryder Cup equivalent for PGA Professionals which celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Wallis will no doubt be hoping to have a similar impact that fellow PGA pro Poulter had in Chicago and hopes a few reruns of that famous victory can do the trick.

“I’ve got a copy of last year’s Ryder Cup and I’ll be watching that a couple of times to try and use that as inspiration,” he said.

Wallis has also been picking the brains of fellow Kent pro Darren Parris from North Foreland who was a key part of the victorious 2005 PGA Cup team, registering a maximum five point haul.

“I’ve spoken to Darren who has got an amazing record and we spoke about the kind of things to expect from the week. I also know the other south region lads who’ve qualified. I’ve chatted to Benn (Barham) and he’s really looking forward to it as it was always his dream to play in the Ryder Cup.

“I’ve had a long time to think about the PGA Cup since qualifying and I can’t wait.

“We have a team of rookies so expectations for us are probably not that high but I think we will do quite well.

“I’m sure it will be exciting with a few nerves on the first tee but I’m pretty laid back and have played a few tour events so can cope with it.”

Wallis hit the headlines earlier in the season with a record-breaking 14-under-par 59 in a PGA event and also a maiden win on the PGA Europro Tour.

With three successive Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit titles under his belt in the south, Wallis will carry plenty of expectation on his shoulders which he is happy to do.

“I like being the front runner,” he added. “A lot of my victories have come from when I have been in front so I’ve no worries about carrying pressure on my shoulders. I’m more than happy to lead the way if that suits the team. The most important thing is the team.”

Wallis hopes the testing Hunting Course, which has had its nines switched for the contest, will give GB& I some advantage.

“I’ve spent a fair bit of time playing in the States and they tend to be bombers who tee it up and hit miles and then rely on the short game.

“I haven’t actually played Slaley but Gareth (Wright) says it’s not really a bombers course so from that perspective it might suit us.”