Kent golfers Richard Wallis and Benn Barham both played key roles as the Great Britain & Ireland team almost pulled off an incredible Ryder Cup-style comeback in their PGA Cup clash with the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

Walmer & Kingsdown star Wallis (top right) and Kings Hill-based Barham both featured prominently as GB & I hit back from being 10½-5½ down after the opening two day fourballs and foursomes to tie the match 13-13.

It was still sufficient for the US team to retain the Llandudno Trophy as cup holders but it was Wallis, Barham and their team-mates were delighted with their efforts.

Wallis picked up 2½ points from his four matches, including beating the American team’s top player Bob Sowards 3&2 in the singles on Sunday, but had to pull out of the fourballs on Saturday because of food poisoning.

Barham also won his singles 4&3 on the final day leaving team captain Russell Weir marvelling at his side’s achievement said: “That was phenomenal – the best I’ve seen.”

Wallis said: “My and Benn’s job was to try and get up on the Americans early (in the singles). I wanted to come out and get off to a fast start and got three birdies in the first six holes to go three up and then Bob gave me a couple of holes, so I was five up after eight."

Barham added: “It feels awesome (to have won). I now realise how much the PGA Cup means to everyone. I was trusted with the first game and delivered, so I was happy."