McGinley thanks McIlroy

Last updated: 16th January 2013

Paul McGinley, the newly appointed European Ryder Cup captain, thanked Rory McIlroy for his endorsement.

"If Rory does not make the team I think he has got a good chance of a pick now," McGinley told the Yorkshire Post.

"It's a humbling experience and it's a week I'm really looking forward to. I knew I had the support of the players, not just Rory," added McGinley.

McGinley, got the nod ahead of winning Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomery and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

"I'm obviously absolutely thrilled and delighted to have this honour," said McGinley.

However, McIlroy wasn't the only one who endorsed McGingley's appointment. United States counterpart Tom Watson also had some kind words for McGinley.

"I'm relishing the thought of taking on one of my great heroes (Watson)," added McGinley.

"I think he's a wonderful person and a great ambassador for the game of golf."

For the Irishman, the hardest part in the entire process of selecting a new Ryder Cup captain was the lengthy and agonizing wait.

"I went to the committee meeting first, where we did all the mundane details of the Tour," said McGinley.

"I was asked to leave as the Ryder Cup was discussed and I went to my room.

"My brother was up there as well. I had a couple of oatmeal cookies and a bottle of water and watched the time go by - very slowly I have to say," he quipped.

"I was looking at the clock very closely, how long it was taking."

"I'm obviously delighted and absolutely thrilled. To lead arguably the strongest team in depth on the European Tour that we've had and to be leading the cream of the crop in the Ryder Cup is going to be a huge honour," he said.