A GOLFER who grew up and went to school in Bromsgrove has been handed the honour of captaining Great Britain and Ireland in the club professionals' version of the Ryder Cup.

DJ Russell, who went to North Bromsgrove High School before embarking on a successful pro career, will lead Great Britain & Ireland in the 30th PGA Cup clash against the United States in 2022.

Russell, 66, played for 21 years on the European Tour, winning three times, and now runs a golf course design and consultancy business in partnership with former Ryder Cup player and captain Ian Woosnam.

He has been tasked with winning back the Llandudno Trophy following last year’s narrow defeat in Austin, Texas, which saw the United States produce a remarkable comeback on the final day to win a hard-fought contest 14-12 at Barton Creek Resort.

“It gives me great pleasure to be offered the role of captain of the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team,” said Russell, who also played on the European Senior Tour.

“I was fortunate to have been involved in the backroom staff at four Ryder Cups with Bernard Gallacher, Seve Ballesteros, Sam Torrance and Bernhard Langer.

"I was also assistant captain at The K Club to Ian Woosnam, so I feel that I will bring a wealth of experience to my role as captain in 2022.

“It is always a tough match to beat the PGA of America but home advantage at the wonderful Foxhills Club & Resort will hopefully work in our favour.

"I’m looking forward to the match - may the best team win.”

The 2022 PGA Cup will be played once again at Foxhills Club & Resort, scene of Great Britain & Ireland’s triumph back in 2017, their first win at a UK venue in the competition since 1984.

Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, added: “I am delighted to announce DJ Russell as Captain of Great Britain & Ireland for the next PGA Cup clash in 2022.

“DJ’s experience both as a player on the European Tour and part of the backroom staff at four Ryder Cups make him the perfect candidate to lead Great Britain & Ireland at Foxhills Club & Resort."