Clark hoping to be party to more American woe

Membership of the first Great Britain & Ireland team to win the PGA Cup in America may be hard to surpass, but successfully defending the trophy as a vice-captain comes a very close second for Cameron Clark.

The 43-year-old was part of the ten-man team who triumphed on American soil in California for the very first time in 2015.

Those jubilant scenes at CordeValle following the narrowest of wins are still very much etched in Clark’s mind as this year’s event approaches.

But this time round Clark switches roles after being selected as a vice-captain at Foxhills Resort and he will pass on his experiences to his successors as they attempt to win the event for a sixth time.

“Winning in America was the best experience of my life from a golfing point of view,” said Clark, the head PGA Professional at Moor Hall Golf Club in the West Midlands.

“Playing in the PGA Cup was something I always wanted to achieve and to be part of that first team to win in America meant a huge amount to everyone involved.

“It particularly meant a lot to me because I’d been a pro for such a long time and it was a really proud moment to represent my country.

“The great thing about two years ago was that there were no egos in the team. Everyone had a great time together and was pulling to produce that result. To do it in the way that we did as well, going down to the wire, was a very special moment.

“I’ve said to a couple of the boys that we made history there, and now they’ve got to make history to retain the trophy after winning it in the States.”

Great Britain and Ireland head into the 28^th PGA Cup meeting with perhaps one of their strongest ever sides.

With no fewer than eight former European Tour players in the line-up, Clark feels captain Albert MacKenzie has assembled a team capable of winning the Llandudno Trophy once again.

He continued: “We’re in an incredibly strong position and the Americans will realise that.

“We’ve got lot of ex-Tour players involved, which is exactly what we need to stand up against them.

“These guys haven’t perhaps played in a lot of team formats before and they all seem really excited about what September holds.

“The get-together in July was key to getting that team spirit together and we don’t think there’s going to be any issues with that. We’re really looking forward to it.”

“One thing we will try and instil into all of the players is that they’ve earned the right to be there and to enjoy it. It’s such a great week and anyone that’s played in the event in the past will vouch for that.

“I think enjoyment is the key to it. Play hard but just get out there and play fine.”

Clark has revealed there is a great friendship between himself and Great Britain & Ireland captain MacKenzie, which will be of great benefit to the team.

He added: “I was incredibly honoured to be asked to be a vice-captain. We had a great bond at CordeValle, he felt I could bring something to the backroom staff which is a very proud moment for me.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to be in this position so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”

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