Weir named PGA Cup captain

Russell Weir, the joint record holder for PGA Cup appearances, will captain the Great Britain & Ireland side for the 2011 match at the CordeValle resort, California in a bid to win back the Llandudno Trophy.

The PGA Cup is the premier international team competition for PGA professionals from GB & I and the United States, and will take place from September 16-18, 2011.

Weir - the PGA professional at Cowal Golf Club in Dunoon, Argyll - will succeed Gary Alliss after the US retained the trophy over Loch Lomond's Carrick course last September.

The 58-year-old Weir has won five Scottish Order of Merits as well as back-to-back PGA Professional Championships in 1987 & 88.

He made eight successive PGA Cup appearances from 1986-2000 to equal David Huish's record and become the second highest points scorer.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: "Russell enjoys a distinguished association with the PGA Cup which I'm delighted will continue with his role as captain for the 2011 match."

Weir said: "This is the highest point in my career. I always felt that when I was not able to play in the PGA Cup team that I would love to be captain and be involved in some way."

He added: "It's an honour representing your country.

"I've got so many great memories of the PGA Cup. My first match was Knollwood Country Club in Illinois and I always remember David Huish being in that team - I really looked up to him and he helped me through."

Reflecting on his 2011 role, Weir said: "I will just be trying to get to know the players and making sure they feel comfortable and enjoy it as well as competing hard."

The 2013 PGA Cup was recently awarded to De Vere Slaley Hall.
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