European Team captain Paul McGinley says the appointment of Steve Stricker as a USA vice-captain is a strong appointment and compliments Tom Watson’s leadership.

“Steve Stricker, it’s a very strong appointment from Tom,” said McGinley.

“I know Steve very well.  Not only has he been a great golfer but he’s been a great person, as well.  I think he will complement very much what Tom has got in terms of Ray Floyd and Andy North already being a current player.

“Again, it’s something that I will be doing when I do appoint my vice‑captains, and where I’m looking in terms of appointing those vice‑captains will be current players just as Tom has done.”

Bernie talking with 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley following his press conference here at Valhalla. (Photo – Eion Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

And McGinley added when it was mentioned (see previous story on Sticker’s appointment) that the American first expressed his disappointment that Dustin Johnson will not be a member of the USA team and that there is a doubt over Tiger Woods competing at Gleneagles.

“I think Tom Watson has got a lot of strengths to his bow,” he said.

“Obviously being a magnificent golfer and won all the major championships, majority of them won in Scotland, as you say.  But the integrity in him as a human being, and everybody likes Tom Watson.  He’s going to be a very popular figure in Scotland, there’s no doubt about that.

“We will respect him very much as a team and also the crowd will respect him, as well, too.  But we’re under no illusions how strong America are going to be, and you know, we know we’re in a real battle against Scotland and particularly Tom Watson.”