Blue Bell's Sheftic on second PGA Cup team

Mark Sheftic is on the U.S. PGA Cup team for the second straight competition, and the feeling is one of which he will never tire.

"It means just as much as the first time," Sheftic, a teaching pro at Merion Golf Club who lives in Blue Bell, said Thursday before assembling with his teammates for the opening ceremonies at CordeValle in San Martin, Calif.

"Any time you get on this team, it's hard to describe. I don't care if you're in it for the first time or the 10th time. Being here is as special as when we played in Scotland [in 2009]. There's no better feeling than representing your country with nine other guys and all the [PGA] officers and the assistant captains. It's fun."

Being played for the 25th time, the PGA Cup matches 10 club professionals each from the United States and from Britain and Ireland over three days of competition beginning Friday. The weekend is similar to that of the Ryder Cup, with matches featuring foursomes (alternate shot), four-ball (better ball), and singles.

Sheftic, 37, was part of the winning U.S. team in 2009 at Loch Lomond, Scotland. He is one of three on the squad who have played in the PGA Cup.

BMW championship. Justin Rose made birdie on half of his holes at Cog Hill, a tough course that played even longer in chilly conditions, giving him an 8-under 63 and a 2-shot lead in the BMW Championship over Webb Simpson and Mark Wilson in Lemont, Ill.

Navistar LPGA Classic. Jennifer Johnson shot a 7-under-par 65 to take the first-round lead over teen Lexi Thompson in Prattville, Ala.

Vivendi Seve Trophy. Britain and Ireland took a 4-1 lead over Continental Europe after the opening fourballs in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, France.