Ampfield’s Jon Barnes is preparing to experience the highlight of his career, as he bids to help Great Britain & Ireland win back the PGA Cup from America.

The Hampshire professional has qualified for the ten-man team that will take on the United States this week in the Ryder Cup equivalent for PGA professionals.

The biennial contest will take place from Friday through to Sunday, at Slaley Hall, in Northumberland, with GB&I aiming to win the trophy for the first time since 2005.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Barnes, pictured. “Making the team for this event would have to be the highlight of my career.

“Any PGA professional would be proud to represent their country. I’ve spoken to a few who have played in it before and they said it’s a great event to be involved in.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the PGA Cup and I can’t wait for it to begin now.”

This year’s Hampshire Open champion, and an eight-time winner of the county’s order of merit, will be making his first ever appearance in the event.

Barnes earned his place in the squad after finishing fourth in the Glenmuir PGA Championship, also held at Slaley Hall, earlier this year.

It will be the first team event the 42-year-old former Hampshire amateur star has played since turning pro 17 years ago.

But, having won the county’s match play crown three times in that period, Barnes is well prepared for the contest.

“I enjoy match play”, he said. “You always know what you have to do and what you have to beat.

“I love playing in a team as well, I like the team spirit and getting to know the other lads you are playing alongside.”

Barnes has been in excellent form recently, with highlights including a new course record of 63 in his Paultons Pro-Am victory and a 66 to tie for the Tidworth Garrison Pro-Am crown.

“I’ve been playing pretty solid all year really,” said Barnes, who has been at Ampfield for nearly five years.

After the PGA Cup, Barnes will head to Bulgaria to compete in next week’s PGA Professional Championship of Europe.