Watson announced as PGA Cup vice-captain

26/06/2019

Michael Watson has promised to bring determination, passion and pride to the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup camp after being confirmed as Cameron Clark’s second vice-captain for the match against America in September.

Clark had already selected 2017 PGA Cup winners David Higgins and Robert Coles as his vice-captains, but with Coles qualifying for the team as a player, Clark has opted to bring in Watson who he played alongside the last time Great Britain & Ireland won in America four years ago.

“To say I was pleased to receive the call from Cameron Clark would be a massive understatement,” Watson. “I was in Lanzarote at the time so had to keep it quiet for a while. It’s an honour and a privilege to be a vice-captain for Cameron alongside David Higgins.

“The PGA Cup means so much to me so I will bring plenty of determination, passion and pride to help the team along.”

Watson knows exactly what it takes to win a PGA Cup match on American soil having played an integral role in 2015. He struck the opening tee shot of the match at CordeValle, California as he and Clark won their opening fourball match and Great Britain & Ireland went on to win by a point.

Asked what advice he will be passing on the 2019 team, Watson continued: “Knowing how warm it will be, as it was in 2015, hydration and energy levels will be vital.

“Down time will be important too; keeping the guys happy, chilled and having fun because this is an experience they have to enjoy, first and foremost. We have a great team so whatever I can contribute to make it a great experience for them, I will.”

Clark’s team consists of four PGA Cup debutants, however two of those, Alastair Forsyth and Craig Lee, have European Tour experience, while David Dixon, Jason Levermore and Alexander Wrigley all played together with Watson and Clark in the 2015 victory in America.

“We have a tremendous amount of big tournament experience in the team,” Watson added. “There is real quality from one all the way through to number ten. I am very confident that this team can make it three in a row, but of course it won’t be easy.

“America will be very determined to win this time so anything that Cameron, Dave (Higgins) and myself can do to help the guys in any way, to make even the smallest marginal gain, could prove pivotal.”