Sept. 16, 2009

Loch Lomond, Scotland - Illinois head coach Mike Small is among 10 Americans headed to Scotland this week to participate in the 24th PGA Cup. The event, which began in 1973 as an offshoot of the PGA Professional Championship, features a Ryder Cup format competition between PGA Professionals from the United States and a European team from Great Britain and Ireland.

The United States holds a 15-5 advantage in the series, which also has included three ties. This is the third appearance for Small, who was also a member of the United States team which claimed the title in the most recent PGA Cup -- 13 ½-12 ½ at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga., in 2007. The players will be competing for the Llandudno International Golf Trophy at the Carrick at The De Vere Deluxe Resort in Loch Lomond, Scotland. The PGA Cup, like the Ryder Cup, includes foursomes (two-man teams in alternate shot),four-ball (two-man teams in better ball) and singles (18 holes of match play).

Small, who wrapped up his eighth straight Illinois PGA title while also claiming his second PGA Professional national title this summer, is honored to once again be selected.

"This is a tremendous opportunity," Small said. "To represent your country in an event like this is pretty special."

"I am pleased that Mike has qualified to participate once again in the PGA Cup," said Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther. "Mike has done a terrific job with our golf program and it is important that he continue to have the opportunity to participate as an athlete at a high level."

"It's great to see coach playing well," senior Matt Hoffman said. "It is really awesome for our program. He made sure he got the support of every player before leaving this time of year. We all assured him that he has our support. It is a great reward for all he has done for us."

Fans can follow the event at pga.com/pgacup