Benzel Blog: Reflecting on a big win, wonderful week

All week, Ryan Benzel of Bothell, Wash., a PGA teaching professional from Tulalip, Wash., has provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 24th PGA Cup. This is his final installment.

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SUNDAY, Sept. 20

All day long I was seeing red on the board. But, I was level in my match and I wanted to keep the "red" on.

You find that it is a real challenge when you are trying your best to help your team.

Mentally, I got a big boost when I won the 12th hole. I had made a good 10-footer on 11 for birdie and won that hole to go 1-up.

But at 12, I missed the green and chipped up to two feet. My opponent [Will Barnes] three-putted from 12 feet. That was a big swing right there.

I made some good shots coming down the stretch and didn't lose 17, then I flagged a 5-iron into 18 to six feet.

Once he [Will] missed, then it was over (a 2-up victory).

Winning today takes the sting out of what happened the past two days. It leaves a smile on your face. I had been unable to contribute a point to my team the first two days and now I had. That meant a lot.

When you look at the scoreboard and see that we scored a record 8 1/2 points today, it really is quite amazing.

I knew that we were totally capable of it, but you never know how match play is going to work out.

Our plan had been the same all week, and that was to once you get them, you try to keep the pedal down and keep going.

He [Captain Brian Whitcomb] was true to what he was saying. He got us out there and stayed out of the way. He knew we were fully prepared and he just wanted us to get out there and play.

The Farewell Dinner was a great time for all of our team and the chance to extend friendship with our new friends from Great Britain & Ireland. Our play on the course was forgotten.

They had a band of native Scottish drummers entertaining us before and during dinner. You will never forget them once you see them or hear them!

Captains Gary Alliss and Brian Whitcomb spoke tonight about what the past year and this PGA Cup has meant to them. It was truly a great week for golf.

This was my first time across the Atlantic and hopefully there will be more. I certainly want to come back.

It's now been two PGA Cups in a row for me, and each have totally been the highlight of my career.