The Zone Interactive Golf Magazine (UK) The Zone Issue 26 | Page 36

PGA CUP

USA retain PGA Cup
at battle of Slaley Hall

T

hey arrived as rookies and left
as the conquerors of America.
Singles Sunday at Slaley Hall will
live long in the memory of those that
fought, masterminded and witnessed a
day in which Great Britain & Ireland put
their transatlantic cousins to the sword.
The PGA Cup may well be going back
across the pond as the Americans
salvaged a tie against a rampant
GB&I team, but when Nick Brennan’s
victory brought play on 10 enthralling
matches to a close, the destination of
the silverware played second fiddle
to a jubilant GB&I team that very
nearly produced the comeback of all
comebacks.
On the eve of battle, the scenario was
hardly one of joy for team GB&I. They

36

lay five points adrift of a US team that
needed ‘just’ two and half points to retain
the cup and three to win, while their
captain Russell Weir had been taken to
hospital after feeling unwell.
Given the situation, the talk was of
‘Medinah’ and a repeat of the miracle
that would see this band of rookies
somehow emulate their Ryder Cup
counterparts. A mere eight points from
10 were needed.
If the Brothers Grimm had been
overseeing proceedings then the prospect
of a fairytale ending would never have
been in doubt.
However, the sight of Captain Weir on
the first tee – a miracle in itself – was
sufficient to inspire a side that had
resolved to show their mettle.
THEZONE / ISSUE 25