McGinley set for playing return
After all the Ryder Cup excitement, victorious captain Paul McGinley will make his playing return at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour.
McGinley devoted himself to his role as European captain, giving it his undivided attention in recent months, and the 47-year-old admits he has no idea how he will perform with clubs in hand in Scotland this week.
A shoulder injury also contributed to him playing just once on the European Tour since July, but he’s all set for a competitive return in the pro-am event played over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
“I’m not tired and I don’t feel like I want to pull away,” McGinley said after Europe’s five-point win over the United States on Sunday. “I think it’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed the ride the last 18 months. It’s been an absolute thrill and privilege and an honour.
“The Dunhill is a tournament I’ve always enjoyed playing, I love playing on those golf courses. God knows where my golf game is. I feel like there’s been no work gone into my golf game the last six months.
“Everything the previous captains have told me about your golf game struggling has been proved correct. The first year was not so bad. I played quite well last year to be honest. This year it’s really tailed off.
“When I’ve been on the golf course and on the practice ground, my mind has been drifting. It’s not been there and I’ve not had the intensity and concentration you need to practice and play.”
McGinley will be joined in the tournament this week by four members of his winning team – Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher – as well as one of his vice-captains, Padraig Harrington.
Latest
-
NewsVice-captain Graeme McDowell still has hopes of playing in another Ryder Cup
The Northern Irishman will be part of Europe’s bid to retain the trophy at Whistling Straits later this month.
-
NewsFleetwood ready to become villain of the piece as Europe bid to retain Ryder Cup
With coronavirus travel restrictions preventing large numbers of fans travelling, Padraig Harrington’s side are braced for a one-sided atmosphere.
-
NewsKristoffer Broberg ends ‘six years of hell’ with battling victory at Dutch Open
The Swede claimed his second European Tour title after finishing with a 72.
-
NewsIan Poulter: America’s rookies are in for nerve wracking Ryder Cup experience
Half of captain Steve Stricker’s side have never played in the biennial contest before.
-
NewsMcGinley wants Europe’s Ryder Cup players to forget about Koepka/DeChambeau feud
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes attempting to make capital from the spat could backfire.
-
NewsKristoffer Broberg eight shots clear at Dutch Open
The 35-year-old secured the course record at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsSergio Garcia feeling rested and ready for Ryder Cup after wild card ‘gamble’
The Spaniard has won 25.5 points at the Ryder Cup.
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.