Newly-appointed European Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley is likely to meet USA Team rival, Tom Watson for a first time at this year’s Open Championship at Muirfield.
Watson is a five-time Open Champion and bid farewell to golf’s oldest Major at the 2010 Open Championship at St. Andrews.
However the American golf legend has informed McGinley he will journey to Scotland in July ahead of participating the following week’s Senior British Open at Royal Birkdale.
“Tom and I have been exchanging introduction emails where we’ve exchanged phone numbers and so on, and at this point in time there is no point in us having to communicate largely, “ said McGinley.“I probably won’t see him to The Open, and I still have to have to qualify for The Open.
Paul McGinley likely to meet USA Ryder Cup captain rival, Tom Watson for a first time at this year’s Open Championship at Muirfield. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“But now after all the excitement the two weeks, I am also very measured and a bit more clinical with what I want to do and now start to flower those ideas I have and put them into reality.”
McGinley said also his wife, Alison has already begun considering clothing designs for the European Team.
“So there are a number of things already going on since my appointment but I just continue to be overwhelmed by the support I’ve been shown,” he said.
“Then I know things will become difficult and there will be question marks over some of my decisions but I have a very clear picture of where I have to go and what role I have to play.
“I am also very determined over the next six months or so of not over-captaining , over-communicating or over-doing it.
“That’s what I said to Lee when we spoke that you won’t be hearing from me for six months and that you’ll be over in America, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me.”
McGinley has his first official meeting with the Tour on 7th February at Wentworth.
“The agenda of my meeting with the Tour will be setting the parameters for the next two years, dates in my dairy, sponsors I have to work with and getting hold of all the contacts I will need,” said McGinley.
“So that will be establishing who I have to work with and it will help work out a Ryder Cup schedule around my own playing schedule.”
