Cameron Clark and Martyn Thompson have been named as PGA Cup vice captains to Albert MacKenzie for Great Britain & Ireland’s PGA Cup clash with the United States at Foxhills Club & Resort in 2017.
The pair were both part of the victorious team that won at CordeValle in 2015 – Clark as a player and Thompson again as a vice captain.
Clark, head PGA Professional at Moor Hall in Sutton Coldfield, admitted he was thrilled to be offered the role.
“It’s massively exciting to be involved again,” he said. “If you can’t play this is the next best thing and I got such a buzz from last year when we won in California. From an experience point of view that was the best I’ve ever had and having my family there was a massive bonus as well.
“I’m really honoured and proud to be asked. I think the pressure is probably on us to retain the trophy and try and get back to back wins but I know how strong the team will be – the standard in the regions and at the PGA Play-Offs is getting better and better.”
Thomspon, head pro at Parkstone Golf Club in Dorset, resumes the role he fulfilled in California.
His Dorset club has a strong association with the PGA Cup with former head pro Keith Hockey captaining GB&I to back to back wins in 1983 and 1984.
“Last time was one of those weeks you never forget so to be asked to be involved again is a huge honour,” said Thompson.
“For it to have panned out the way it did – the last putt, on the last hole in the last match with all the hard work we’d put where we said we’d got to do all the one per cents that make the difference – it was the greatest golf experience of my life and I’ve been lucky to play in a couple of majors and walk down the 18th in the 72nd hole of an Open Championship.
“In team sport there is a different dynamic and in golf we spend so long playing on our own that when you are part of a team you have a bond for ever.”
MacKenzie added: “I have known Martyn and Cameron for many years and have the utmost respect for them both. I am delighted they have accepted my invitation to be part of the 2017 PGA Cup matches. They will bring with them, honesty, integrity and professionalism in their roles as vice captains.
“Having both made significant contributions, in their respective positions, to our victory in CordeValle, I look forward to working closely with them as we embark on our journey towards Foxhills.”
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