PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America has announced that the 23rd PGA Cup Highlight Show will air on Golf Channel Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET, with additional re-airings on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 p.m. ET and Monday, Dec. 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The premier international event for PGA Professionals was contested at the Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation, Sept. 21-23, one of the country's leading resort venues and an acclaimed Rees Jones design.
The PGA Cup lived up to its hype in serving as a showcase for the finest playing members of The PGA of America and The Professional Golfers' Association (of the UK).
Ryan Benzel of Bothell, Wash., a 28-year-old PGA assistant professional at Seattle Golf Club, overcame a three-hole deficit with birdies on his final two holes to claim a vital half-point and lift the United States to a thrilling 13 1/2 to 12 1/2 victory over Great Britain & Ireland in the 23rd PGA Cup.
The U.S., which had grabbed a 9-7 lead after two days of four-ball and foursomes competition, earned just the required 4 1/2 points to reclaim the 18-pound Llandudno Trophy, which it had surrendered two years ago in Ireland.
Benzel's halved match against England's Paul Wesselingh was joined by singles victories by Don Yrene of Scottsdale, Ariz., Chip Sullivan of Daleville, Va., Ron Philo Jr. of Amelia Island, Fla., and 50-year-old Chris Starkjohann of Cardiff by the Sea, Calif., who got the honor of making the final point to clinch the Cup.
The United States maintained its perfect record on home soil, boosting its record to 10-0-2 since the PGA Cup originated in 1973, and now owns a 15-5-3 overall record.
The PGA Cup is structured after the Ryder Cup and brings together 10-member teams of U.S. PGA Professionals facing a 10-member team from Great Britain & Ireland. Last year, the U.S. suffered its first defeat since 1984, a 15-11 decision at The K Club in Straffan, Ireland.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
