Illini's Small in Scotland for 24th PGA Cup event

Illinois head coach Mike Small is among 10 Americans in Scotland to participate in the 24th PGA Cup, which opens Friday.

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 that claimed the title in the most recent PGA Cup - 131/2 to 121/2 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).

"To represent your country in an event like this is pretty special." said Small, who wrapped up his eighth straight Illinois PGA title and claimed his second PGA Professional national title this summer.

Fans can follow the event at pga.com/pgacup/2009.