Higgins set for lieutenant’s role at PGA Cup

Waterville’s David Higgins is in the USA with the GB&I team preparing for the PGA Cup, which gets underway on Friday.

David Higgins has shaken off the disappointment of missing out on PGA Cup selection to throw his considerable experience behind helping GB&I defend their title this weekend at Barton Creek Resort in Texas.

The Waterville man has embraced his new role as a vice-captain under the leadership of Cameron Clark with GB&I bidding for a third win in succession over their US opponents.

“As a player, you always want to be involved on the side,” said Higgins who won 3.5 points as GB&I powered to victory at Foxhills, England in 2017.

“It was very disappointing to miss out. I am over that now.

“I agreed to do this so I have to try and step up as I have done throughout my career, to give it my best and support the lads. We have to get them playing as well as we can. That is my target.”

The GB&I team arrived in Texas on Monday and have been trying to get used to some hot and humid conditions before the action gets underway on Friday (Sept 27). The format is similar to the Ryder Cup with teams of 10 battling it out over four foursomes and four fourball sessions on Friday and Saturday before the 10 singles on Sunday (29th).

“I've enjoyed helping the younger lads and trying to pass on as much experience as I can,” added David.

“It's not just about what we learned the last time out but also what I have learned over my career. I am lucky enough to have played in some big events over the years.

“It's all about how you deal with pressure and it is going to be a pressure situation.

“Picking fourball teams and partners is part of it but keeping the lads relaxed, enjoying it and chilled out rather than being nervous and uptight, that will be a big focus over the next few days.”

Higgins (46) is expecting a tough test this time around with the USA stung by recent defeats.

“It is going to be difficult,” he added. “We have won the last two and tied the one before that so the USA will be going for it this time around.

“We have to be 100 percent, work as a team and make sure not to let any little thing get between us. We have also got to find every angle on the course, we can't give them anything.

“While it is going to be very tough, I definitely think we can do it.”