HE has played at prestigious events such as the US Open and Open Championship, but Birchwood’s Phillip Archer says taking part in the upcoming PGA Cup will be the highlight of his career.

The 45-year-old is part of a 10-strong Great Britain and Ireland team that will take on the United States for the trophy at Foxhills, Surrey, in September.

Archer, who was a runner-up four times during his stint on the European Tour, says representing his country has always been something he’s strived for.

“It’s a high for me and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“When I switched back to the PGA this is the ultimate aim; to try and represent your country at the PGA Cup.

“It’s my first time of trying and I got in, so I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Archer, who has three Challenge Tour titles to his name, has experience of representing Great Britain and Ireland before in the 2007 Seve Trophy.

On that occasion, he was part of a successful team that beat Continental Europe and he believes the PGA Cup team has a good chance of winning the trophy for the first time since 2005.

“Looking at the team, we have a lot of experience,” he said.

“I’ve met a lot of the team already.

“A good friend of mine, Gary Houston, got in who I rate very highly.

“I know Rob Coles, Matthew Cort and Greig Hutcheon from playing against them in the past so it’s going to a well-bonded team I think.”

The PGA Cup is played in a Ryder Cup-style matchplay format of foursomes, fourballs and singles contests played over three days.

The match gets underway on September 15.