McDonnell ready for ‘intense week’ at PGA Cup

The PGA Cup is the most prestigious event for Club professionals and involves a team from Great Britain and Ireland playing against a team from the USA every two years. The GB&I team took the historic Llandudno trophy in 2015 and this years captain Albert MacKenzie has been preparing the team to defend the title. McDonnell said; “Mackenzie and his vices Cameron Clark and Martyn Thompson have done a fantastic job in preparing everything for the players leading up to the event. The team had a two-day get together in July at Foxhills. This was a chance to break the ice with players we didn't know too well. The key to the week is that we have a fantastic team bond.”

McDonnell, who will be at Foxhills from Monday 11, has been preparing himself for the tournament by contesting some local PGA events and playing as much as possible at Goodwood alongside his coaching and management of the Academy. But while he has been focussing on his own game, he also has great confidence in those around him. He said; “The team this year has a wealth of experience with every player having had a Tour appearance at some point in their careers. A large amount of players are making their PGA Cup debuts, making it a very special event for each individual. No doubt there will be nerves; however, that's where our experience will be key in making sure we focus on the job in hand.”

He continued; “I think we all have the same amount of respect for each other. We all look up to each other. We are all here on merit and know what each individual has achieved and is capable of. I look up to all the members of the team, they have all achieved so much success and the chance to learn from these players is very exciting.”

The full GB&I team to face the USA:

Albert MacKenzie (C), Saunton; Cameron Clark (VC), Moor Hall; Martyn Thompson (VC), Parkstone; Philip Archer, Birchwood; Rob Coles, Maylands; Matthew Cort, Beedles; Christopher Currie, Caldwell; David Higgins, Waterville; Garry Houston, Carden Park; Greig Hutcheon, Paul Lawrie Golf Centre; Chris McDonnell, Golf At Goodwood; Damien McGrane, Co. Meath; Andrew Raitt, St. George's Hill.