MacKenzie is vice-captain for GB&I PGA Cup team

Devon-based PGA professional Albert MacKenzie will realise a lifelong ambition after being unveiled as PGA Cup vice-captain. The Scot will be part of Jon Bevan’s backroom team helping the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team try and regain the Llandudno Trophy from the United States next September at CordeValle, California. MacKenzie, the head pro at Saunton, retains a burning desire to represent GB&I having missed out on a place in the 2005 PGA Cup team as he lost in a play-off at Woodhall Spa.

MacKenzie stated, “I’m not normally stuck for words but when Jon phoned me I was over the moon because the PGA Cup means such a lot to me. Although I have not played in the PGA Cup, I feel it is in my DNA for very many reasons. I’ve played in 20 PGA Professional Championships since Prince’s in 1989 trying to make the team but never quite made it. I came closest in 2005 when I lost in a four-man play-off at Woodhall Spa so to be asked to be vice-captain has ticked that box for me, it is an honour and a privilege.”

Bevan has already seen the first three places of his ten-man team decided with Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin), Jason Levermore (Channels) and David Dixon (Enmore Park) having qualified via the recent Titleist PGA Play-Offs. The remaining seven places will be decided at next year’s PGA Professional Championship with Bevan having one captain’s pick.

The PGA Cup is a Ryder Cup-style contest played over three days with foursomes, fourballs and singles. Bevan was vice-captain at the dramatic match at Slaley Hall when GB&I swept the singles 7.5 to 2.5 tying the United States 13-13 although America retained the trophy as holders.