Paul McGinley is now just one step away from the certain assurance being appointed 2014 Ryder Cup Captain.
The Dubliner was today (MON) confirmed as the GB & I Vivendi Trophy captain to tackle a Jean Van de Velde led European Team starting September 15th at Saint-Nom-le-Bretsche in Paris.
McGinley has been retained as captain following GB & I’s five-point success in the team’s event last year.
Next for McGinley will be the honour of becoming the first Irishman ever to captain a European Ryder Cup team.
With Jose Maria Olazabal to lead the European Team next year at Medinah, McGinley is very much the obvious replacement for the Spaniard.
McGinley will be 47 years old when the 2014 Ryder Cup is staged at Gleneagles.
He’ll also be three years older than Dane Thomas Bjorn who can be expected to Captain the 2016 European Team.
That would leave the way clear for Darren Clarke to lead the European Team into competition on European soil in 2018 when the Ryder Cup will be staged on the Le National course in Versailles.
British Open champion Clarke will then have just turned 50.
McGinley played a pivotal role as Ryder Cup vice-captain to Colin Montgomerie in Europe’s exciting one point victory over the U.S. last year in Wales.
The pint-sized Irishman is passionate about the team competition and played in three straight winning Ryder Cup teams from 2002 to 2006, including the distinction of holing the winning putt on debut.
McGinley has also not known defeat as a member in three Vivendi Trophy encounters, including the last as Captain.
He also is a lynch pin as a member of the Tournament Players Committee, and it’s this Committee that votes on the Ryder Cup Captain.
“It’s a great honour to be invited back as captain, and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to,” said McGinley.
“I enjoyed it enormously last time, so I was delighted to be asked again.
“I’m looking forward to going up against Jean, and it’s good to have a Frenchman involved on French soil, because that’s important for the future of the tournament. With the excitement of France being awarded The Ryder Cup, I’m sure the event will be well supported.
“Obviously with Seve’s sad passing earlier this year, there will be added poignancy, particularly with José Maria being involved.
“Two years ago Seve was in our thoughts, both in the team room and outside. I’m sure he’ll be looking down on us, and hopefully we can put on an event worthy of him.”
Van de Velde’s appointment is to be commended, and the Frenchman can be assured to taking to the position with gusto.
“I was privileged to take part in the very first Seve Trophy at Sunningdale and to be part of the winning team captained by Seve,” he said.
“Captaining the Continental Europe side will be a completely new experience for me and I am honoured to be nominated for the role by José Maria at a venue I know so well in St- Nom- la Bretèche, where I played my first Trophée Lancôme in 1989.
“Paul McGinley is a good friend but he has a head start on me, having captained Great Britain and Ireland to victory in 2009, so that is extra pressure!
“However I am looking forward to it immensely. I am certain we will receive great support from the French public and I really hope the players make the maximum effort to take part and honour the memory of one of golf’s true greats.”
