McDonnell makes history with winning PGA Cup team

It was the most points that GB&I had scored against the USA since the PGA Cup began in 1973 and it was also the team's first successful defence of the Llandudno Trophy since 1984.

The biennial PGA Cup, which took place at Foxhills in Surrey from 15 – 17 September, consisted of a series of four-ball, foursomes and singles matches. The team from the USA started strongest, winning the Friday morning four-balls 3 – 1, but the home team struck back in the afternoon foursomes, winning 3.5 – 0.5.

McDonnell, who was paired with Damien McGrane for Saturday's four-balls, defeated the opposition 2 and 1, helping towards GB&I’s 3 – 1 victory in the morning session. The USA won the afternoon's foursomes 3 – 1, leaving the British and Irish team with a lead of only one point going into the final day.

Despite McDonnell's own singles match ending in a 4 and 3 loss to US PGA Professional Player of the Year Rich Berberian, the GB&I team came out fighting for Sunday's singles and stunned the opposition by winning 7.5 – 2.5 to finish the Cup 16 – 10 overall.

Speaking after lifting the trophy, McDonnell said; “The PGA Cup is certainly the highest achievement in my golfing career. To represent Great Britain and Ireland is a very proud moment and to actually create history with the biggest winning margin is something very special.

“The Golf At Goodwood Academy is starting to create the ideal learning environment for all golfers and I hope this personal achievement can help inspire all our players.”