Europe
Profile: Paul McGinley
| Born | Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| age | 39 |
| height | 5ft 7in |
| Turned Pro | 1991 |
| World ranking | 53 |
| Appearances | (2) 2002-04 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Foursomes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fourball | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Win Rate | 58% |
Paul McGinley has experienced only success in his time as a European Ryder Cup player, and better than that, he holed the all-important winning putt at the Belfry in 2002. That feat alone ensures the affable Dubliner will go down in Ryder Cup folklore.
The fact is McGinley has become one of a number of Irishmen down the years to have a pivotal role in these matches. Few will forget Eamonn Darcy's famous win over Ben Crenshaw in 1987, Christy O'Connor's two-iron to the 18th at the Belfry or Philip Walton's clutch win in 1995. And now McGinley can add his name to the list.
The highest point of McGinley's individual playing career came at the end of last year when he secured the season-ending Volvo Masters. The 39-year-old put on a masterful performance at Valderrama and a title he richly deserved because up to that point he had gone agonisingly close finishing runner-up three times – twice at Wentworth in the BMW Championship and HSBC Matchplay and the TCL Classic in China.
It was first rate performances such as these which set McGinley on his way finishing runner-up on the order of merit in 2005 but also to ensure his place on the team at the K-Club. However, another knee injury which required surgery, and a serious dip in form gave McGinley cause for panic as he tried to get over the finishing line and secure his place.
After many frustrating weeks fortunes turned in the European at the K-Club in July. Thinking he had missed the cut and gone to the airport he speedily returned and proceeded to race into fourth over the weekend and earnings of just over €125,000 virtually sealed his place.
Of the six matches McGinley has played in two Ryder Cups he has halved three, won two and lost one. A more than decent return but will strive to make sure potential halves are converted into wins.
As a former touring pro at the Kildare venue McGinley know the Palmer Course as well as anyone. And as a proud Irishman he will have no problem whatsoever get fired-up for this one in front of home fans.
- Paul Gallagher