McGinley reveals Ryder Cup Team
European Ryder Cup team Captain Paul McGinley announced his Ryder cup team to take on the United Sates at Gleneagles later this month.
Former world number one Lee Westwood, 12 time European Tour winner Ian Poulter and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher were picked as Wild cards by McGinley.
“I think we have three players that will add a lot to the nine already qualified and make the European team as strong as it needs to be to take on the might of America,” said the Irishmen.
“I’m delighted with those players who have earned their way in. It’s a who’s who of European golf and all credit to the guys. It’s a phenomenal standard of performance we’ve seen.
“If you’re a European fan you’ve got to be excited with that team, it’s a wonderful team going into battle against what will be a strong American team. I know they’ve had some issues over there but I’m under no illusions how difficult this task is going to be. They’ll be well led by Tom Watson and they have a lot of players who have shown a lot of form.”
Those who miss out on selection include another former world number one Luke Donald and Italy’s Francesco Molinari. McGinley’s decision to omit Donald from the team is a big one, as the Englishman has a great Ryder Cup record, earning a possible 10.5 out of 15 points.
Someone who has made the team almost purely on his Ryder Cup record is Poulter. The snappy dresser has had a poor year earning just two top ten finishes. However, he was been a part of three winning Ryder Cup teams and boasts an impressiveb 80% win rate at the event.
Meanwhile, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson and 39-year-old Gallacher are the debutantes for the iconic event.
US team captain Tom Watson will announce his team later on Tuesday.
2014 European Ryder Cup Team
Rory McIlroy
Henrik Stenson
Martin Kaymer
Sergio Garcia
Justin Rose
Victor Dubuisson
Thomas Bjorn
Graeme McDowell
Jamie Donaldson
Ian Poulter
Lee Westwood
Stephen Gallacher
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