TRIPLE TIE AT MCDONALD ELLON
Ross Drummond, Jason McCreadie and Craig Lee were joint winners of the Container Company Aberdeen Ellon pro-am at McDonald Golf Club today.
They all shot four-under-par 66 and earned £802 apiece.
Iain Buchan (Craibstone) led the Morris Material Handling trio of amateurs, Michael Melvin (12), Bob Waterson(16) and Bruce Mitchell (2) to victory in the team event with a net score of 16-under-par 54.
LEADING PROS
Par 70
66 R Drummond (Prestwick DR), J McCreadie (Buchanan Castle), C Lee (All Golf Swing Centre).
67 S Rettie (Royal Troon), R Arnott (Bishopbriggs), C Gillies (Kingsfield), S Henderson (Kings Links), C Ronald (Carluke).
68 A Soutar (Turnhouse), S Cairns (Westerwood), G McFarlane (Clydebank & Dist).
TEAM WINNERS
54 I Buchan (Craibstone) & Morris Material Handling: M Melvin(12), B Waterson (16), B Mitchell (2).
DEANO WINS AT CALDWELL
Former European Tour pro Dean Robertson enjoyed a nice change of luck with victory in the Caldwell Golf Club invitational pro-am today.
Dean shot a two-under-par 69 to win the £850 top prize by a single shot from Andrew Marshall.
Nigel Scott-Smith (Palacerigg) led the winning trio of amateurs, Tom Irons (11), John Few (11) and Jim Wylie (18) to victory in the team event with a net total of 123.
LEADING PROS
Par 71
69 D Robertson (unatt).
70 A Marshall (Houston GR).
71 P Wardell (Whitekirk), K Baxter (Buchanan Castle).
73 S Forbes (Caldwell), N Colquhoun (Merchants of Edinburgh), B Dunbar (Deer Park), A McCloskey (Bothwell Castle).
TEAM WINNERS
123 N Scott-Smith (Palacerigg) & T Irons (11), J Frew (11), J Wylie (18).
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Friday, August 04, 2006
PAUL LAWRIE JUNIOR CHALLENGE
FINALS AT ST ANDREWS BAY
THIS WEEKEND
If Graeme Mitchell (Northern) is not too drained after reaching the last 16 of the Allied Surveyors Scottish amateur championship at Nairn this week, he will start favourite to win the boys’ section of the Paul Lawrie Junior North-east Match-play Challenge over the Torrance course at St Andrews Bay this weekend.
Mitchell, the North of Scotland boys’ champion this year, meets Luke Barbour (Peterhead) in the first semi-final on Saturday afternoon (1pm). David Morrison (Duff House Royal) tees up against Grant Carnie (Newburgh on Ythan) in the other tie.
The final will be played over the same course on Sunday morning (9am)
The girls’ section looks much more open. Any one of the four semi-finalists could win the title. Laura Murray (Alford), who won the Scottish schoolgirls title last year over this course, plays Mhairi Johnstone (Northern) while Gail Stewart-Richens (Newmachar) meets Lauren MacCallum (McDonald Ellon), who won the handicap section of the Scottish schoolgirls 12 months ago.
The boys and girls have made it this far after an elimination process which began back in the spring.
Paul Lawrie is providing the transport and paying all the weekend expenses for the eight youngsters to stay Saturday night at St Andrews Bay Hotel.
THIS WEEKEND
If Graeme Mitchell (Northern) is not too drained after reaching the last 16 of the Allied Surveyors Scottish amateur championship at Nairn this week, he will start favourite to win the boys’ section of the Paul Lawrie Junior North-east Match-play Challenge over the Torrance course at St Andrews Bay this weekend.
Mitchell, the North of Scotland boys’ champion this year, meets Luke Barbour (Peterhead) in the first semi-final on Saturday afternoon (1pm). David Morrison (Duff House Royal) tees up against Grant Carnie (Newburgh on Ythan) in the other tie.
The final will be played over the same course on Sunday morning (9am)
The girls’ section looks much more open. Any one of the four semi-finalists could win the title. Laura Murray (Alford), who won the Scottish schoolgirls title last year over this course, plays Mhairi Johnstone (Northern) while Gail Stewart-Richens (Newmachar) meets Lauren MacCallum (McDonald Ellon), who won the handicap section of the Scottish schoolgirls 12 months ago.
The boys and girls have made it this far after an elimination process which began back in the spring.
Paul Lawrie is providing the transport and paying all the weekend expenses for the eight youngsters to stay Saturday night at St Andrews Bay Hotel.
McALPINE v O'HARA FINAL
UNCAPPED PAIR WIN SEMI-FINALS
OF SCOTTISH AMATEUR AT NAIRN
Kevin McAlpine from Alyth will play Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) in Saturday's 36-hole climax to the Allied Surveyors Scottish men's amateur championship over the classic Nairn Golf Club links.
McAlpine, who has played the American college circuit for the past four years as a student of Colorado State University, beat Stirling student Bobby Rushford b6 4 and 3 in the semi-finals in the afternoon.
McAlpine, seven up at the turn, was two under par for the holes played.
O'Hara will be appearing in the final for a second time. He lost to George Murray in the 2004 final at Gullane. Paul's older brother, Steven O'Hara won the Scottish title at Royal Dornoch in 2000.
Paul O'Hara's last appearance did not earn him a place in the Scotland team for the following home internationals. This one surely will. McAlpine too is uncapped at adult level for Scotland.
Full-time amateur Paul upset the form book just a wee bit by beating seasoned international player Jonathan King (Glasgow), a Glasgow financier, by one hole in the second semi-final.
It was all square at the turn and then came the decisive winning run by the younger player. O'Hara won the 10th on a concession, the 11th with a birdie 2 and the 13th with a birdie 3.
At the finish, O'Hara was two under par.
QUOTES (courtesy of Kate Weldon, SGU communications manager)
PAUL O'HARA: “I didn’t make light work of this match. iit was tight and Jonathan was playing really well. When it rested on the 18th, it was a pressure putt but I saw the line straight away and just knew what I had to do. I am much more experienced than was back in 2004 when I reached my first Scottish final at Gullane. I was only 17. I have played in lot of tournaments over the last couple of years so I am looking forward to tomorrow."
JONATHAN KING: "I am pretty gutted not to make it to the final, but Paul played really well. Despite my four birdies in a row, he coped with the pressure and he answered all the questions. He deserved to win in the end.”
KEVIN McALPINE: “I lost concentration for a few holes. I was feeling a bit tired and mentally drained after being 5 up. Two bad drives cost me but I really wanted to get in the final.”
Saturday's tee times for the 36-hole final are 8.30am and 1.00pm.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) bt Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) 4 and 3.
Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) bt Jonathan King (Glasgow) 1 hole.
+Scroll down to see the quarter-final results and report.
OF SCOTTISH AMATEUR AT NAIRN
Kevin McAlpine from Alyth will play Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) in Saturday's 36-hole climax to the Allied Surveyors Scottish men's amateur championship over the classic Nairn Golf Club links.
McAlpine, who has played the American college circuit for the past four years as a student of Colorado State University, beat Stirling student Bobby Rushford b6 4 and 3 in the semi-finals in the afternoon.
McAlpine, seven up at the turn, was two under par for the holes played.
O'Hara will be appearing in the final for a second time. He lost to George Murray in the 2004 final at Gullane. Paul's older brother, Steven O'Hara won the Scottish title at Royal Dornoch in 2000.
Paul O'Hara's last appearance did not earn him a place in the Scotland team for the following home internationals. This one surely will. McAlpine too is uncapped at adult level for Scotland.
Full-time amateur Paul upset the form book just a wee bit by beating seasoned international player Jonathan King (Glasgow), a Glasgow financier, by one hole in the second semi-final.
It was all square at the turn and then came the decisive winning run by the younger player. O'Hara won the 10th on a concession, the 11th with a birdie 2 and the 13th with a birdie 3.
At the finish, O'Hara was two under par.
QUOTES (courtesy of Kate Weldon, SGU communications manager)
PAUL O'HARA: “I didn’t make light work of this match. iit was tight and Jonathan was playing really well. When it rested on the 18th, it was a pressure putt but I saw the line straight away and just knew what I had to do. I am much more experienced than was back in 2004 when I reached my first Scottish final at Gullane. I was only 17. I have played in lot of tournaments over the last couple of years so I am looking forward to tomorrow."
JONATHAN KING: "I am pretty gutted not to make it to the final, but Paul played really well. Despite my four birdies in a row, he coped with the pressure and he answered all the questions. He deserved to win in the end.”
KEVIN McALPINE: “I lost concentration for a few holes. I was feeling a bit tired and mentally drained after being 5 up. Two bad drives cost me but I really wanted to get in the final.”
Saturday's tee times for the 36-hole final are 8.30am and 1.00pm.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) bt Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) 4 and 3.
Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) bt Jonathan King (Glasgow) 1 hole.
+Scroll down to see the quarter-final results and report.
PGA EUROPRO TOUR
TOP SCOT GRAHAM GORDON EARNS
ONLY £415 FOR TOP-20 FINISH
Three years ago on Saturday Graham Gordon was winning the Scottish amateur championship by beating Stuart Wilson in the 36-hole final over The Duke’s Course, St Andrews.
The fact that the Aberdeen’s tour pro career since then has not got off the ground was underlined with a share of 34th place for a reward of only £415 in the PGA EuroPro Tour event – the Partypoker.com International Open – which finished at Collingtree Park, Northants today.
Gordon improved with every round for a two-under-par total of 214 with scores of 74, 72 and 68. He birdied the fourth, fifth, seventh and 14th in a bogey-free final round. A triple bogey 8 at the 18th in his first round cost him a top-10 finish.
Chris Kelly (Cawder) was the next best Scot with erratic rounds of 76, 68 and 76 for four-over-par 220 and a share of 34th place which earned him £270. Kelly had double bogeys at the seventh and 11th in his final round.
The only other Scots to make the final day, Callum Nicoll (Prestwick) and Paul Doherty (Vale of Gamorgan tied for 39th place on 221, to earn £247 each. Nicoll shot 75, 73 and 72, while Dochery had 78, 67 and 76.
The tournament ended with a play-off in which Andrew Willey beat fellow-Englishman Simon Griffiths for the £10,000 prize. They had tied on five-under-par 207, both men signing off with 66s .
ONLY £415 FOR TOP-20 FINISH
Three years ago on Saturday Graham Gordon was winning the Scottish amateur championship by beating Stuart Wilson in the 36-hole final over The Duke’s Course, St Andrews.
The fact that the Aberdeen’s tour pro career since then has not got off the ground was underlined with a share of 34th place for a reward of only £415 in the PGA EuroPro Tour event – the Partypoker.com International Open – which finished at Collingtree Park, Northants today.
Gordon improved with every round for a two-under-par total of 214 with scores of 74, 72 and 68. He birdied the fourth, fifth, seventh and 14th in a bogey-free final round. A triple bogey 8 at the 18th in his first round cost him a top-10 finish.
Chris Kelly (Cawder) was the next best Scot with erratic rounds of 76, 68 and 76 for four-over-par 220 and a share of 34th place which earned him £270. Kelly had double bogeys at the seventh and 11th in his final round.
The only other Scots to make the final day, Callum Nicoll (Prestwick) and Paul Doherty (Vale of Gamorgan tied for 39th place on 221, to earn £247 each. Nicoll shot 75, 73 and 72, while Dochery had 78, 67 and 76.
The tournament ended with a play-off in which Andrew Willey beat fellow-Englishman Simon Griffiths for the £10,000 prize. They had tied on five-under-par 207, both men signing off with 66s .
SCOTTISH MIXED FOURSOMES
DREAM TEAM STUART AND ELAINE
TEAM UP FOR DEESIDE EVENT
Two former Great Britain & Ireland international team players are to play together for the first time in the Scottish amateur mixed foursomes golf championship at Deeside Golf Club on Sunday, September 10.
Former Walker Cup player, 2004 Open leading amateur and British amateur champion also that year, Stuart Wilson, now the Forfar Golf Club secretary, is to partner Elaine Farquharson-Black, who played in two Curtis Cup matches, two Vagliano Trophy matches and won the Scottish women’s championship.
Elaine has two reasons for hoping the Scottish mixed foursomes is a success this year. She is an honorary member of Deeside Golf Club and she is a partner in the firm, Paull and Williamsons, who are sponsoring the tournament.
“I would like to see a few more entries coming in before the deadline of August 14 so that we have a really competitive tournament on September 10,” said Elaine, who still plays off scratch. Stuart Wilson has a handicap of +2.2.
“There are scratch and handicap prizes so it’s not just a tournament for low handicap players. The handicap limits are 18 for men and 36 for women.
If there are players out there who would like to enter but can’t find a partner, male or female, we, as sponsors, would do our best to pair people up.
“I am sure that Deeside Golf Club members would be ready to help.”
Entry fee is £15 per couple and entry forms can be downloaded from the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association website (www.slga.co.uk). Or call SLGA tournament secretary Fiona Farquharson on 01738 442357.
Paull and Williamsons’ contact number is 01224 621621.
Former British amateur champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Carly Booth (Comrie) have won the Scottish mixed foursomes title for the past two years.
TEAM UP FOR DEESIDE EVENT
Two former Great Britain & Ireland international team players are to play together for the first time in the Scottish amateur mixed foursomes golf championship at Deeside Golf Club on Sunday, September 10.
Former Walker Cup player, 2004 Open leading amateur and British amateur champion also that year, Stuart Wilson, now the Forfar Golf Club secretary, is to partner Elaine Farquharson-Black, who played in two Curtis Cup matches, two Vagliano Trophy matches and won the Scottish women’s championship.
Elaine has two reasons for hoping the Scottish mixed foursomes is a success this year. She is an honorary member of Deeside Golf Club and she is a partner in the firm, Paull and Williamsons, who are sponsoring the tournament.
“I would like to see a few more entries coming in before the deadline of August 14 so that we have a really competitive tournament on September 10,” said Elaine, who still plays off scratch. Stuart Wilson has a handicap of +2.2.
“There are scratch and handicap prizes so it’s not just a tournament for low handicap players. The handicap limits are 18 for men and 36 for women.
If there are players out there who would like to enter but can’t find a partner, male or female, we, as sponsors, would do our best to pair people up.
“I am sure that Deeside Golf Club members would be ready to help.”
Entry fee is £15 per couple and entry forms can be downloaded from the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association website (www.slga.co.uk). Or call SLGA tournament secretary Fiona Farquharson on 01738 442357.
Paull and Williamsons’ contact number is 01224 621621.
Former British amateur champion Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Carly Booth (Comrie) have won the Scottish mixed foursomes title for the past two years.
LATEST NEWS FROM NAIRN
McALPINE BEATS RUSHFORD,
O'HARA LEADS KING
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) is through to Saturday's 36-hole final of the Allied Surveyors Scottish men's amateur championship over the Nairn Golf Club links.
Kevin beat Bobby Rushford (Grangemouoth) by 4 and 3.
In the other semi-final, Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) was one up on Jonathan King (Glasgow) at the 16th.
O'HARA LEADS KING
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) is through to Saturday's 36-hole final of the Allied Surveyors Scottish men's amateur championship over the Nairn Golf Club links.
Kevin beat Bobby Rushford (Grangemouoth) by 4 and 3.
In the other semi-final, Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) was one up on Jonathan King (Glasgow) at the 16th.
SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Sponsored by Allied Surveyors.
Hosted by Nairn Golf Club
O'HARA v KING and RUSHFORD
v McALPINE IN SEMI-FINALS
The last of the eight seeds was knocked out of the Allied Surveyors' Scottish men's amateur championship this morning when Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes) lost to Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) in the first quarter-final.
Jamieson was never ahead against Paul O'Hara's four-under-par figures as he won by 3 and 2. O'Hara, beaten by George Murray in the 2004 final at Gullane, was two up after nine holes.
Paul now plays Glasgow's Jonathan King who beat Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) by 4 and 3.
King played superbly to be five or six under par for the holes played. He was two up at the turn.
Jonathan is the only current Scotland international player in the last four of the championship.
Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) beat Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) by 2 and 1 with one-over-par figures. Stevenson had the honour from the second to the 11th hole and was one up at the turn.
But Stirling University student Rushford caught him and took up the running over the closing holes.
Rushford now plays Kevin McAlpine (Alyth), son of the former Dundee United goalkeeper and a Colorado State University golf scholarship student for the past four years.
Kevin beat Aberdonian Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links) by 4 and 3 in the last of the four quarter-finals.
Mathieson was never ahead against McAlpine's very good scoring - four under par for the holes played. Kevin had been two up at the turn.
QUOTES (courtesy of Kate Weldon of SGU website)
JONATHAN KING: “I sneaked ahead with a few good up and downs, chipping on to the greens. Overall my short game has been pretty good.”
SCOTT JAMIESON: “I played ok, but I missed four putts from about 10 feet. If you’re not holing those your back is really up against the wall and Paul just started putting me off the greens.”
PAUL O'HARA: “My steady iron play has seen me safe from tee to green. I have a good match play record and I am really enjoying this at the moment. I have been this far before in the competition, so I know what this feels like to get this far. I am really looking forward to this afternoon’s match.”
KEVIN McALPINE: “I played very solid and made a good start. I will keep to the same strategy this afternoon and just play one shot at a time.”
QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS
Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) bt Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes) 3 and 2.
Jonathan King (Glasgow) bt Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) 4 and 3.
Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) bt Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) 2 and 1.
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) bt Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links) 4 and 3.
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Hosted by Nairn Golf Club
O'HARA v KING and RUSHFORD
v McALPINE IN SEMI-FINALS
The last of the eight seeds was knocked out of the Allied Surveyors' Scottish men's amateur championship this morning when Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes) lost to Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) in the first quarter-final.
Jamieson was never ahead against Paul O'Hara's four-under-par figures as he won by 3 and 2. O'Hara, beaten by George Murray in the 2004 final at Gullane, was two up after nine holes.
Paul now plays Glasgow's Jonathan King who beat Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) by 4 and 3.
King played superbly to be five or six under par for the holes played. He was two up at the turn.
Jonathan is the only current Scotland international player in the last four of the championship.
Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) beat Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) by 2 and 1 with one-over-par figures. Stevenson had the honour from the second to the 11th hole and was one up at the turn.
But Stirling University student Rushford caught him and took up the running over the closing holes.
Rushford now plays Kevin McAlpine (Alyth), son of the former Dundee United goalkeeper and a Colorado State University golf scholarship student for the past four years.
Kevin beat Aberdonian Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links) by 4 and 3 in the last of the four quarter-finals.
Mathieson was never ahead against McAlpine's very good scoring - four under par for the holes played. Kevin had been two up at the turn.
QUOTES (courtesy of Kate Weldon of SGU website)
JONATHAN KING: “I sneaked ahead with a few good up and downs, chipping on to the greens. Overall my short game has been pretty good.”
SCOTT JAMIESON: “I played ok, but I missed four putts from about 10 feet. If you’re not holing those your back is really up against the wall and Paul just started putting me off the greens.”
PAUL O'HARA: “My steady iron play has seen me safe from tee to green. I have a good match play record and I am really enjoying this at the moment. I have been this far before in the competition, so I know what this feels like to get this far. I am really looking forward to this afternoon’s match.”
KEVIN McALPINE: “I played very solid and made a good start. I will keep to the same strategy this afternoon and just play one shot at a time.”
QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS
Paul O'Hara (Colville Park) bt Scott Jamieson (Cathkin Braes) 3 and 2.
Jonathan King (Glasgow) bt Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) 4 and 3.
Bobby Rushford (Grangemouth) bt Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs) 2 and 1.
Kevin McAlpine (Alyth) bt Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links) 4 and 3.
+Switch over to our sister website, www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk, for all the latest news from women's and girls' golf.
FARMER TO BE PGA CAPTAIN
"IT'S A FANTASTIC HONOUR," SAYS JIM
St Andrews-based professional Jim Farmer is celebrating a hat-trick of top appointments in the game after being asked to become captain of the PGA.
The 57-year-old who captained Great Britain & Ireland to PGA Cup glory last year and was appointed Honorary Professional of St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club in January, will become captain-elect when Parnell Reilly succeeds Beverly Lewis next year.
The two-year ambassadorial role will see Farmer represent the PGA at major golfing events including the Open, US Masters and Ryder Cup as well as working on behalf of the Association's 7,000 members.
Farmer will join an illustrious group of Scots to hold the honour, including James Braid - the first ever captain following the Association's formation in 1901.
"It's a fantastic honour," admitted Farmer. "To follow in the footsteps of the many great people that have occupied this position in the past is the best it gets in the PGA - I'm thrilled to bits."
PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones added: "The captain's board is littered with great professionals who have made an outstanding contribution within the game and to the Association and in Jim Farmer we have someone who is continuing that proud legacy."
Farmer, who had dreams of being a centre half for Hearts at one stage of his youth, was born in St Andrews in November 1948 where he still lives and runs his own golf business.
During a highly successful playing career he topped the Tartan Tour Order of Merit for seven consecutive years between 1977 and 1983 and also won the Northern Open in 1978 and the British club pros' title in 1983.
He also gained representative honours with four appearances in the PGA Cup matches while other highlights include two Open appearances at St Andrews.
Farmer has also enjoyed successful club professional roles at Drumpellier and Duddingston.
St Andrews-based professional Jim Farmer is celebrating a hat-trick of top appointments in the game after being asked to become captain of the PGA.
The 57-year-old who captained Great Britain & Ireland to PGA Cup glory last year and was appointed Honorary Professional of St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club in January, will become captain-elect when Parnell Reilly succeeds Beverly Lewis next year.
The two-year ambassadorial role will see Farmer represent the PGA at major golfing events including the Open, US Masters and Ryder Cup as well as working on behalf of the Association's 7,000 members.
Farmer will join an illustrious group of Scots to hold the honour, including James Braid - the first ever captain following the Association's formation in 1901.
"It's a fantastic honour," admitted Farmer. "To follow in the footsteps of the many great people that have occupied this position in the past is the best it gets in the PGA - I'm thrilled to bits."
PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones added: "The captain's board is littered with great professionals who have made an outstanding contribution within the game and to the Association and in Jim Farmer we have someone who is continuing that proud legacy."
Farmer, who had dreams of being a centre half for Hearts at one stage of his youth, was born in St Andrews in November 1948 where he still lives and runs his own golf business.
During a highly successful playing career he topped the Tartan Tour Order of Merit for seven consecutive years between 1977 and 1983 and also won the Northern Open in 1978 and the British club pros' title in 1983.
He also gained representative honours with four appearances in the PGA Cup matches while other highlights include two Open appearances at St Andrews.
Farmer has also enjoyed successful club professional roles at Drumpellier and Duddingston.
PGA CUP CAPTAIN APPOINTED
GARY ALLISS - SON OF PETER - WILL
LEAD 2007 DEFENCE IN AMERICA
Gary Alliss will captain Great Britain & Ireland in their defence of the PGA Cup in America next year.The 51-year-old - son of the broadcaster and former Ryder Cup player Peter - will have the chance to make history as GB&I attempt to win on American soil for the first time in the competition's 34-year history.
Alliss takes over at a time of renewed interest in the competition following GB&I's memorable victory under Jim Farmer at The K Club last year when they reclaimed the PGA Cup for the first time since 1984.
Gary, head golf professional at the De Vere Belfry, has strong links with the PGA Cup, in particular the magnificent Llandudno Trophy at the heart of the competition which resided in the Alliss household for many years.
His grandfather, Percy Alliss, retained possession of the trophy as winning captain of the Home International tournament which was interrupted by the Second World War and never revived once peace was restored.
Peter Alliss later gifted it to the Association to use for the PGA Cup matches which were inaugurated in 1973.
"It's an enormous honour to be given the job of captaining Great Britain & Ireland in America, enhanced by the fact we're defending the trophy on American soil where we've never won," said Gary.
"I still remember the trophy from when I was growing up and it would of course be nice to get my hands on it again by winning in America."
Alliss began his career at Trevose where he returned after a spell at Harpenden and spent more than 20 years at the Cornish club before moving on to help establish the Abama Golf Resort in Tenerife, returning to The Belfry earlier this year. He is also a respected coach and worked in the English Golf Union set-up.
Sandy Jones, PGA Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted Gary has accepted the invitation from the Association to captain the PGA Cup team in defence of the Llandudno Trophy next September at the Reynolds Plantation.
"The name Alliss is synonymous with the PGA Cup and I know that Gary will be an excellent captain."
The PGA Cup will be played at the Rees Jones-designed Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia from 21 - 23 September.
LEAD 2007 DEFENCE IN AMERICA
Gary Alliss will captain Great Britain & Ireland in their defence of the PGA Cup in America next year.The 51-year-old - son of the broadcaster and former Ryder Cup player Peter - will have the chance to make history as GB&I attempt to win on American soil for the first time in the competition's 34-year history.
Alliss takes over at a time of renewed interest in the competition following GB&I's memorable victory under Jim Farmer at The K Club last year when they reclaimed the PGA Cup for the first time since 1984.
Gary, head golf professional at the De Vere Belfry, has strong links with the PGA Cup, in particular the magnificent Llandudno Trophy at the heart of the competition which resided in the Alliss household for many years.
His grandfather, Percy Alliss, retained possession of the trophy as winning captain of the Home International tournament which was interrupted by the Second World War and never revived once peace was restored.
Peter Alliss later gifted it to the Association to use for the PGA Cup matches which were inaugurated in 1973.
"It's an enormous honour to be given the job of captaining Great Britain & Ireland in America, enhanced by the fact we're defending the trophy on American soil where we've never won," said Gary.
"I still remember the trophy from when I was growing up and it would of course be nice to get my hands on it again by winning in America."
Alliss began his career at Trevose where he returned after a spell at Harpenden and spent more than 20 years at the Cornish club before moving on to help establish the Abama Golf Resort in Tenerife, returning to The Belfry earlier this year. He is also a respected coach and worked in the English Golf Union set-up.
Sandy Jones, PGA Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted Gary has accepted the invitation from the Association to captain the PGA Cup team in defence of the Llandudno Trophy next September at the Reynolds Plantation.
"The name Alliss is synonymous with the PGA Cup and I know that Gary will be an excellent captain."
The PGA Cup will be played at the Rees Jones-designed Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia from 21 - 23 September.