Hutcheon ‘buzzing’ ahead of second PGA Cup outing

09/09/2017

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Representing your country at any level can be a daunting task and one man who is expecting first tee nerves again despite having previously represented Great Britain & Ireland in a PGA Cup is Scotsman Greig Hutcheon.

The 44-year-old will move into an elite group of players who have represented their country at more than one PGA Cup when he tees off at Foxhills Resort, Surrey, later this month.

Back in 2013, Hutcheon was part of the Great Britain & Ireland side that ended America’s three-game winning streak at the De Vere Slaley Hall.

Four years ago the match ended 13-13, with Hutcheon winning two and losing three of his matches, but the former European Tour pro will be hoping to be part of a winning home side this time around.

“It’s an incredible feeling to represent Great Britain and Ireland at a PGA Cup,” said Hutcheon, who is attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in Kincardineshire.

“There’s a real anticipation and buzz about the whole week. You’re obviously playing the game in a team format and it is fantastic.

“It might not be the Ryder Cup but it is absolutely the very next best thing you can be involved in. It’s a fantastic match and I’m really looking forward to playing in it again.

“You do get first tee nerves at a PGA Cup, that’s for sure. I led off one morning, obviously with the Americans being the visitors they had that honour, but you do feel the pressure.

“There is a pressure because you’re not just playing for yourself, you’re also playing for the other nine guys in your team.”

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The Americans lost 13½ - 12½ in California last time around as Great Britain & Ireland recorded their first ever win on American soil, but Hutcheon knows Paul Levy’s side will be gunning for revenge this time around.

“I have no doubt that the Americans will be landing and they will be very keen to win back the trophy,” Hutcheon continued.

“I think for sure we are going to have to make sure our T’s are crossed and our I’s are dotted to make sure they don’t get to check-in at Heathrow and take the trophy back with them.”

Albert MacKenzie is proving to be a popular skipper among the Great Britain & Ireland team and Hutcheon believes having a fellow Scot in charge does have its advantages.

He added: “I met Albert MacKenzie for the first time last year at the PGA Play-Offs.

“Although he lives very much down in the south, he’s from a beautiful place called Hopeman which is not too far away from where I live, so occasionally we’ve been communicating in the Aberdeen ‘doric’ language.

“I think myself and Albert could definitely communicate without anyone else actually knowing what we’re saying and that could be handy!”

For more information about the PGA Cup and to follow all the action and live scoring from Foxhills from September 15-17 click here.

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