Eagerly anticipated PGA Cup tees off Friday morning

As they worked through their final preparations on Thursday, both squads worked to get a bit more familiar with the foursomes and four-ball formats. Both teams are excited about the team formats, but admit they present a unique challenge.

By Bob Denney, PGA of America

GREENSBORO, Ga. -- The scene on the 18th fairway at The Oconee Course late Thursday afternoon rivaled any college gridiron practice session.

The only major exception was that the United States PGA Cup Team, under the guidance of Captain Roger Warren of Kiawah Island, S.C., was not wearing helmets and pads.

The team spread across the fairway at Reynolds Plantation, with caddies in tow, brandished clubs, wore soft spikes and hit small dimpled spheroids. It was the final preparation for Friday morning's opening of the 23rd PGA Cup.

The biennial duel between the finest U.S. PGA Golf Professionals and those of Great Britain & Ireland marks the first visit of the premier international event for PGA Golf Professionals in Georgia.

The United States is faced with having the prospect of trying to win back the Llandudno Trophy, which it surrendered two years ago in Ireland. It has never been defeated on home soil since the PGA Cup's origin in 1973, adding to another burden in trying to amend for past miscues.

The final practice session for the U.S. Team featured internal battles for bragging rights in the clubhouse and solidified the pairings for Captain Warren, the Honorary President of The PGA of America and president of the Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort.

"We started out slow, but at the end, the players came together as we had hoped," said Warren. "I think there is a stronger sense of team with this group. We're ready to play.

"The most challenging aspect of preparation is the foursomes -- or alternate shot. It's like an alien format for our players, and quite possibly for theirs (Great Britain & Ireland)."

The preparations, however, regardless of what format, have excited the member of the U.S. Team.

"We've had a chance to play at least a couple times each day with about everyone on the team," said Lee Rinker of Jupiter, Fla., the PGA head professional at Emerald Dunes Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. "What I can tell you is these guys can play. It all comes down to whether or not you can hit a golf shot when called upon to do so. You can't get too worried about hitting a bad shot. You have to stop worrying and step up and play."

Rinker said that he carried a quote in his head that was delivered by two-time PGA Professional National Champion Tim Thelen of College Station, Texas. Thelen is the team's veteran, now competing in his fourth consecutive PGA Cup.

"Tim said, 'If you say you're sorry to me, you will owe me 10 bucks,'" said Rinker. "I couldn't agree more. We are all bound to make mistakes. We can't dwell on them."

Chip Sullivan of Daleville, Va., the reigning PGA Professional National Champion, said that he senses a highly competitive feeling among his teammates.

"Everyone wants to win badly, no matter what the competition may be," said Sullivan. "We are all in this together. If we lose, it's because we beat ourselves. I like the way that Captain Warren got us together for the pairings."

The PGA Cup opens Friday with morning four-balls on the 7,364-yard, par-72 Oconee Course.

Great Britain & Ireland Captain Gary Alliss said that he had all the faith in his team, which features two veterans and eight PGA Cup rookies.

"I told our team to stay calm and stay focused," said Alliss. "I said that they should do this for yourselves and your families. It's as simple as that. Then I can ride on your shirttails and claim all the plaudits."

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

Bob Denney is The PGA of America's Senior Association Writer