We’re pumped up and ready to go says Weir

Great Britain and Ireland captain Russell Weir (above right with Gareth Wright) declared his team ready to go – with less than 48 hours before the start of this week’s PGA Cup match at De Vere Slaley Hall.

The skipper, who has overseen three days of practice for his 10-man team of rookies at the Northumberland venue, will unleash them against the United States on Friday as the hosts seek to win the Llandudno Trophy for the first time since 2005.

Weir will unveil his opening pairings for Friday’s foursomes at tomorrow’s opening ceremony in the Ryder Cup equivalent for PGA Professionals.

“The guys are very pumped up and ready to go,” said the 62-year-old, who is in his second spell as PGA Cup captain.

“I have to watch that as I don’t want the blood pressure too high too early!”

Weir, who was speaking to a worldwide audience in excess of 1,000,000 people via SiriusXM satellite radio, also provided an overview of the forthcoming contest.

“I don’t think there is a great advantage playing at home as the Americans have a very strong team. I just think it is going to be a very close contest.

“I can only do so much as captain but what happens is really up to the players themselves.

“We have 10 rookies on the team this year but I don’t think the fellas realised how big the event was until they got here. They are getting a real feel for it and I am sure that while it is their first time, they won’t want it to be their last.

“When you hear the national anthems, that’s when the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and that’s when you really feel the emotions. When you see the flags going up it really brings it home.”

Gareth Wright, the 2012 Glenmuir PGA Professional champion, gave a player’s view from inside the camp on what playing the PGA Cup means to them as they prepare to tackle the Americans.

“This is our Ryder Cup and you can’t give it any other definition – this is GB & I versus the United States,” said Wright, pictured with Weir (above) and below.

“It’s the pinnacle of our playing career for us guys. It’s an honour to represent your country at any time but in this format it’s a high an accolade as we’re going to get.

“Given this, we’re all feeling quite relaxed in what we’re doing and going about our jobs. After the opening ceremony on Thursday and when we get out there on the first tee on Friday, I expect it will be an entirely different kettle of fish.”