McGinley: It’s time to rally round Nick and the boys
Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley says it’s time for the doubters to back captain Nick Faldo in leading Europe to a fourth successive triumph.
Faldo has been criticised for leaving out in-form Darren Clarke from his two wild card selections, instead opting for Paul Casey and the flamboyant Ian Poulter, who angered his peers by sitting out last weekend’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
McGinley, himself, is missing his first Ryder Cup since 1999 having played a starring role in each of Europe’s last three successes.
And even though he is Clarke’s closest friend on the European Tour, McGinley believes it’s time for the nation to accept the captain’s decision and get behind the team.
“I was surprised like everybody else that Darren wasn’t one of the picks but it isn’t like he’s picked two guys right out of left field, which we didn’t see coming, they are both world class players who won’t let the team down,” the Dubliner said.
“Darren’s obviously very disappointed as he thought he had done enough to won a pick, having won twice this season. But obviously the captain is the one making the decision at the end of the day as it hasn’t quite panned out for him, so you move on.”
McGinley, 41, is renowned for his Ryder Cup exploits over the years but didn’t incur enough points over the season to challenge for a place in the side for a fourth successive Ryder Cup contest.
He will forever be remembered as the man who sunk the match-winning putt to win at the Belfry in 2002 before being thrown into the lake in celebration, draped in the Irish flag.
Indeed, they’ll be no-one missing the occasion more than he when the action gets underway in Kentucky on 19 September.
“Not being in really hurts,” he added. “I’ve played the last three and it’s the first time since 1999 that I’ve watched one on TV. I’ve had three great experiences in the Ryder Cup and I’m going to miss it, no question about that.
“I didn’t play well enough so I can’t complain. I had opportunities but I didn’t get that close to the team, I was probably two or three spots out.”
Asked if he believed the team would do him proud and return with the cup again, McGinley added: “On paper we have the strongest side but playing in America is difficult.
“There is a big onus on the captain to get the pairings right as there is new personnel involved. But if we can do that, then I think we will win.”