THE 26th playing of the PGA Cup, supposed to be the club pros’ version of the Ryder Cup, will be on a more level playing field than usual at De Vere Slaley Hall in September of next year.

Last year, at CordeValle Golf Resort in the Californian wine valley, the United States won for the third time in a row against Great Britain and Ireland, who have a total of five victories from the series.

In an effort to turn the tide, GB&I have this week announced a change to their selection process.

The ten-man team for Slaley will comprise the leading six point scorers over 2012 and 2013 at the flagship Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, the top three finishers at this year’s Titleist PGA Play-Offs and one captain’s pick.

The reason for the change, as provided by PGA chief executive Sandy Jones, is as follows: “It is important to ensure we have our best players available and the advent of the PGA Play-Offs in recent years gives us a second gateway to qualification and achieving that aim.

“As does the decision to reinstate the captain’s pick. This was used in previously and gives the captain the chance to include a player of his choice who he feels can add value to those who have already qualified.”

GB&I have found themselves having their backsides kicked relentlessly by American teams containing full-time playing pros, some of them on the Nationwide Tour, one step below the PGA Tour.

The North East and Cumbria were represented at the PGA Cup in California by Craig Goodfellow, who dispenses advice at Carlisle Driving Range.