Paul McGinley Confirmed As Europe’s Captain
Paul McGinley has been confirmed as Europe’s captain for the 2014 Ryder Cup match at Gleneagles
The 46-year-old Dubliner, who becomes Ireland’s first captain in the event, succeeds Jose Maria Olazabal in the position and will go up against an American side that will have golfing great Tom Watson back in charge at the age of 65. Paul McGinley holed the 10-foot winning putt on his debut at The Belfry in 2002 and was also part of the victorious sides in 2004 and 2006 before becoming an assistant to Colin Montgomerie three years ago and then Olazabal at Medinah – both wins as well.
Speaking to the media after his appointment, McGinley said: “I’m obviously very pleased to be in this situation. This is a position that I’m really thrilled to be in, and it’s also a very humbling experience. I can’t wait to get into the role of being the captain. “I’m relishing the thought of taking on one of my great heroes, Tom Watson. He’s not only a wonderful person but a great ambassador for the game of golf.
I’ve never had an opportunity to go up against him in a playing sense. To go up against him in a captaincy sense will be a real thrill for me. It’s a week that I’m really looking forward to.
Todays tournament committee meeting in Abu Dhabi will discuss who takes over from Jose Maria Olazabal. Dubliner Paul McGinley, an assistant in the last two matches, is favourite now that Darren Clarke has stated his desire to regain a place in the team.