Ali Gray - 'There's no reason why we can't win the Women's PGA Cup'

24/10/2022

Ormskirk's Ali Gray looks ahead to this week's renewal of the Women's PGA Cup in New Mexico.

This week sees the return of the Women’s PGA Cup where six professional golfers’ associations do battle at Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico.

In 2019 America came out on top as they held off Canada to win by four strokes with Great Britain & Ireland in third. The competition was the first of its kind for female PGA Members and was contested over 54 holes of strokeplay with three scores to count. Three years ago play was conducted in fiveballs, this year we will see the groups go out in threes.

Part of that side was Ormskirk’s Ali Gray who will be back in Sarah Bennett’s side at Santa Ana Pueblo. Gray will be joined by Heather MacRae, Suzanne Dickens, Jess Smart and Alison Nicholas MBE.

Gray finished as the highest-placed PGA Member on the OCEANTEE WPGA Series (with Abigail O’Riordan’s trainee status ruling her out) and she can’t wait to get going again.

“It was a great experience and an honour to represent Great Britain & Ireland in 2019. My favourite moment has to be standing as a team at the opening ceremony as they raised the GB&I flag and played the national anthem, it was very special,” explained Gray. “I’m happy with my game at the moment I’m feeling fit and looking forward to being part of the team and the challenge ahead.”

MacRae and Dickens were also both part of the GB&I side from 2019 and they will also have bundles of experience in Nicholas who was a worthy captain’s pick by Bennett. Nichlolas’ biggest individual achievement came in the States when she landed the US Women’s Open in 1997 at Pumpkin Ridge

“Obviously I wanted to play in this year’s Women’s PGA Cup as it would probably be my last chance, so I’m delighted to be chosen,” said the 60-year-old who coaches at Redditch GC. “I’ve played in the USA many times but never in New Mexico. I’ve checked the course out online and it looks stunning. I’ll try and get as much information on it as I can and practise accordingly. I’m really excited.”

For Gray, to have a player of Nicholas’ experience in the ranks is a huge asset as the competition continues to break new ground.

“Alison will bring a wealth of experience not only as a player who has had an outstanding career but also as a previous Solheim Cup captain and player. Anything to promote the women’s game is good for golf – it’s huge for women club professionals and teaching professionals to give them something to try to qualify to play in. The actual format is good and better this year as playing in threeballs.”

And, as what would constitute a good result, for Bennett’s quintet?

“To win it, we have a great team and there’s no reason we can’t.”