BEATING the United States in their own back yard might be hard to surpass, but winning as a vice-captain in Texas will come a very close second for Weymouth’s Michael Watson.

The 49-year-old Wessex Golf Centre professional knows exactly what it takes to win a PGA Cup match in America having played an integral role in 2015.

Watson struck the opening tee shot of the match at CordeValle Golf Club, California as he and 2019 captain Cameron Clark won their opening fourball match and Great Britain & Ireland went on to win by a point.

Asked what advice he will be passing on the 2019 team, Watson said: “The PGA Cup means so much to me so I will bring plenty of determination, passion and pride to help the team along.

“Knowing how warm it will be, as it was in 2015, hydration and energy levels will be

vital.

“Down-time will be important too; keeping the guys happy, chilled and having fun because this is an experience they have to enjoy, first and foremost.

“We have a great team so whatever I can contribute to make it a great experience for them, I

will.”

Clark had already selected 2017 PGA Cup winners David Higgins and Robert Coles as his vice-

captains, but with Coles

qualifying for the team as a

player, Clark opted to bring in Watson.

“To say I was pleased to receive the call from Cameron (Clark) would be a massive understatement,” Watson continued. “I was in Lanzarote at the time so had to keep it quiet for a while.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be a vice-captain for Cameron alongside David Higgins.”

Clark’s team consists of four PGA Cup debutants, however, two of those, Alastair Forsyth and Craig Lee, have European Tour experience, while David Dixon, Jason Levermore and Alexander Wrigley all played together with Watson and Clark in the 2015 victory in America.

“We have a tremendous amount of big tournament experience in the team,” Watson added.

“There is real quality from one all the way through to number

10.

“I am very confident that this team can make it three in a row, but of course it won’t be easy.

“America will be very determined to win this time so anything that Cameron, Dave (Higgins) and myself can do to help the guys in any way, to make even the smallest marginal gain, could prove pivotal.”

The tournament is being played on September 27–29 at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas.