ALEX Wrigley is confident he can return to America to claim another historic PGA Cup victory with what he has described as one of the strongest Great Britain & Ireland teams in recent years.

Aided by his father on the bag and despite being the team’s youngest player, the 29-year-old from Hartlepool played a key role as Great Britain & Ireland recorded their first ever win on American soil at CordeValle, California four years ago.

He travels to Austin, Texas, in search of a record third consecutive victory against the United States in the 29th PGA Cup matches at Barton Creek from September 27-29.

Having qualified for the team after finishing tied-fourth in the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship in June, Wrigley is impressed with the make-up of the ten-strong Great Britain side and wants a repeat of his success in 2015.

“Looking at the team and the way we have all bonded, it’s so achievable for us to go to America and win for a third consecutive time,” said Wrigley, a teaching professional at Hartlepool Golf Club.

“We had a strong team four years ago but we were heavy underdogs. There’s a lot of experience in this team and a lot of European Tour appearances between five or six of the guys.

“I think we might have a stronger team than the Americans going out there which is a great position to be in. Hopefully we can convert that strength and put in a good performance. We know it’s a big ask to win three in a row, but I couldn’t think of a better team to take over to try and get the job done.”

Wrigley will once again be supported by a large number of his relatives. He said“It will have a different feel to four years ago where we were based at a private resort, whereas this time there might be quite a few more people watching as well; maybe some of the hotel guests might be coming out to support the team.”

BLACKWELL Grange Golf Club, in Darlington, will officially launch its Junior Academy Course this Saturday, September 28.

At 4pm, Blackwell’s Junior Open will be the highlight of the official opening. The Academy Course has been built for children and along with assistant professional Aaron Cox’s Junior Golf Academy it will give youngsters a pathway to play and lead to junior membership and junior competitions on the main course.

Cox said: “The golf club has been very supportive of this academy that I have built. Starting with eight kids when I arrived in January, I now have 72 each week coming for lessons. My goal is to create the biggest junior academy in the North-East.”

GOSFORTH Park’s Libby Bell and Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley have earned the nod for England girls.