Benn Barham is hoping his extra fitness sessions will pay off when he represents Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA Cup clash with the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall Golf Club this weekend.

The Tenterden-based pro has stepped up his training and practice in a bid to help Russell Weir’s GB&I team recapture the Llandudno Trophy, which has resided in American hands over the past three encounters.

And although the PGA European and Challenge Tour veteran has been concentrating on his coaching duties at Kings Hill Golf Club this year, competing remains important to Barham and defeating the US at the Northumberland resort in the PGA Professional’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup is high on his agenda.

“I’ve been working on fitness because I figure playing 36 holes in a day will require plenty of stamina and you need to be in shape for that,” said Barham, who three years ago had a cancerous kidney removed.

“Everything I’ve done since qualifying has been with the PGA Cup in mind. It’s definitely going to be the highlight of the year.

“It’s an honour to represent your country in this event. I know a lot of seriously good players that have never played in the PGA Cup and you can almost see their disappointment that they’ve never managed to make the team, so I want to make the most of it."

The biennial contest celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with the US dominating the victories column but Barham is bullish about their prospects despite none of Weir’s team, which also includes Richard Wallis from Walmer & Kingsdown GC, having previously played in the event.

Barman added: “The fact we are underdogs means in true British form we will be really up for it and I’m sure we’ll give it a good go.”