Watson lauds McGinley appointment

Last updated: 16th January 2013

America's Ryder Cup captain, Tom Watson, has congratulated the newly-appointed European team captain Paul McGinley.

To many, Watson was the surprise choice to lead the Americans at Gleneagles next year after their Medinah meltdown.

While Colin Montgomerie's name briefly appeared alongside Darren Clarke - who soon pulled out of the race - committee chairman Thomas Bjorn confirmed that it was a unanimous decision to select McGinley as the man to take on Watson in Scotland, and the veteran American was quick to congratulate his opposite number.

"I congratulate Paul McGinley upon his selection as the next European Ryder Cup captain and anticipate that his passion and love of the event will transfer to being an outstanding leader of his team in 2014 at Gleneagles," said Watson.

"Paul has been connected to four winning European Ryder Cup teams and is an outstanding representative of European golf. I look forward to sharing the stage with him as we make our journey to Scotland."

Ted Bishop, the PGA of America President, also added his congratulations to McGinley.

"The PGA of America congratulates Paul McGinley as Europe's next Ryder Cup captain. I will never forget the scene at The Belfry in 2002 when Paul holed a putt on the 18th hole to halve Jim Furyk which won the Ryder Cup for Europe and his subsequent celebratory dive into the neighboring pond," said Bishop.

"Images of an emotional Paul with the Irish flag wrapped around his body is something I will always remember. We join our partners and friends across the Atlantic in preparing for what should be one of the greatest chapters in Ryder Cup history."