Scotland to play host to 24th PGA Cup at The Carrick

The Carrick at The De Vere Deluxe Resort in Loch Lomond, Scotland, designed by acclaimed Canadian golf architect Doug Carrick, has been chosen to play host to the premier international event for PGA Professionals.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- One of Scotland's outstanding new golf courses has been named as the site for the 24th PGA Cup, which will be contested in September 2009 at The Carrick at The De Vere Deluxe Resort in Loch Lomond.

The premier international event for PGA Professionals will be making its fourth appearance in Scotland, and first since the United States battled Great Britain to a 13-13 draw at Gleneagles in Perthshire in 1996.

The Great Britain & Ireland Team owns a 2-0-1 record when the PGA Cup is contested in Scotland.

The United States reclaimed the Llandudno Trophy on Sept. 23, with a thrilling 13 1/2 to 12 1/2 victory at The Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.

"The PGA Cup is a one-of-a-kind event for a PGA Professional," PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb, who will serve as U.S. Captain in 2009, said when the announcement was made Sept. 25, 2007. "The thrilling conclusion to this year's PGA Cup in Georgia has further enhanced the great competitiveness that exists between the best players of The PGA of America and those of The Professional Golfers' Association. We look forward to a tremendous 24th PGA Cup in Scotland and to our team defending the Llandudno Trophy."

Professional Golfers' Association Chief Executive at the time of the announcement, Sandy Jones, said he was delighted to see the event return to Scotland and declared The Carrick a fitting venue for one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA schedule.

"The PGA is delighted that the 24th PGA Cup will again be visiting the Home of Golf in Scotland," he said. "The Carrick is one of Scotland's outstanding new courses and it will not only provide an excellent test of golf but boasts a stunning backdrop in the shape of the world famous Loch Lomond.

"The players from both countries will be welcomed with Scotland's renowned generous hospitality and we look forward to attempting to win back the Llandudno Trophy."

Stephen Carter, operations director of De Vere Deluxe, said the tournament would help boost the profile of The Carrick.

"The PGA Cup is a very prestigious tournament and we feel The Carrick is an ideal venue to stage the 24th matches," said Carter. "The staging of the PGA Cup here in 2009 will help enhance and establish the reputation of The Carrick."

The course, which was designed by acclaimed golf architect Doug Carrick, measures 7,068 yards from the championship tees and is part of the five-star Cameron House hotel.

The venue is already on the international golf circuit, having played host to the 2007 Ladies European Tour's De Vere Scottish Open.

Begun in 1973 at Pinehurst, N.C., the PGA Cup is structured after the Ryder Cup and brings together 10-member teams of the PGA of America's professionals facing a 10-member team from Great Britain & Ireland.

Since the PGA Cup originated as an outgrowth of the PGA Professional National Championship, the United States has never been defeated on home soil, and owns a 15-5-3 overall record.

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