Paul McGinley’s determination not to let the Ryder Cup captaincy not to spoil his golf again came to the fore as it made it five halfway cuts in succession at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.
Despite his regular caddy laid up in bed with food poisoning McGinley six birdies in a five under par 66 to move to five under par in the event on the Oceanico Victoria course.
It left the Dubliner trailing seven shots behind the leading trio of South African Hennie Otto (63) and the England pair of Paul Waring (64) and David Lynn (65) who head the field by a stroke on 12-under par.
Paul McGinley makes it five cuts in succession. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
This week is McGinley’s 16th event this season and after missing three cuts immediately following his Gleneagles appointment he’s now made it five four-rounds in a row since last month’s ‘Year to Go’ celebrations at Gleneagles.
“I’ve said many times lately it’s important I remain competitive and a 66 is a good score even though ‘Edinburgh Jimmy’ (caddy) couldn’t make it today,” said McGinley.
“He’s not well and shouldn’t have caddied yesterday but he’s just such a strong-minded guy.
“But then ‘Mucker’ (Rod Mucker) was a great replacement and I enjoyed his company.
“Today was really just a continuation of the last month or so as I have been playing some good golf and really I will disappointed when my season is over next fortnight in China.”
McGinley revealed he will spend two days in New York next week on business but not related to the Ryder Cup before heading to Shanghai where he has been afforded an invitation by sponsors BMW to contest the BMW Masters.
As well, McGinley has spoken with SKY Sports and the company has agreed to allow him to commentate at five events early next year on the PGA Tour that will also better allow him to watch and speak to the leading Europeans competing in the States.
Newcastle’s Simon Thornton heads the Irish contingent but after an outward nine of 31 the reigning St. Omer champ came home in an ambulance for a round of 69 and an eight under par tally.
And fellow Irishman Shane Lowry posted scores of 70 and 71 to miss the cut by one shot in the defence of his title.
