It’s now been two weeks since the unanimous committee decision to appoint Ireland’s Paul McGinley as the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain.
McGinley continues to receive the congratulations of all he encounters and that has been the case for the handful of days the Dubliner has been in Dubai ahead of tomorrow’s commencing Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Paul McGinley doing what he does best and communicating with everyone on the Tour including former colleague, Paul ‘Slippery’ Eales on the Emirates Club range. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However among those extending his hand was England’s Lee Westwood.
A fortnight after Europe had stunned the USA Team with victory at Medinah, Westwood went public at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final backing long-time good friend, Darren Clarke as the successor to Jose Maria Olazabal.
However in his first event of a new season Westwood walked over to McGinley on the Emirates Club practice range congratulating the Irishman on his appointment.
“Lee was very gracious in congratulating me and that was very pleasing to hear,” said McGinley.
“So with that said I am going to make sure there will be no issues with any player or any potential player or anybody who I may have a disagreement with.
“I’m big enough and man enough to realise that not everyone can be in total agreement and I will not hold anything against anybody.
“So we move on and I’m like a steam train, and I’m like an express train going 100mph, and if you want to come along for the ride jump on.”
Westwood in turn has now thrown his weight behind the 2002 Ryder Cup winning hero.
“I’m pleased for Paul and I think he’ll make a fine captain,” said Westwood.
“He has the experience at captaincy in the Seve Trophy along with playing in three Ryder Cups and having been a vice-captain twice in the Ryder and he’s not lost in team competition so hopefully he’ll keep that lucky streak going.
“He’s seen close hand how the captains have worked as a Ryder Cup player and also Paul’s seen how the captains work when he’s stood beside them as they are making decisions.”
Westwood is returning to competition at this week’s Dubai Desert Classic for a first time since finishing 11th in his defence of last month’s Asian Tour Thailand Golf Championship.
