Paul McGinley took a giant step towards Bernhard Langer’s European Ryder Cup team last weekend. The Dubliner’s second place finish behind David Lynn in Holland equalled his best previous return when he was runner up to Mark O’Meara in Dubai.
Paul’s return to form could not have come at a better time because, with Ryder Cup qualification coming towards its close, he is still outside the automatic qualifying zone.
By my rough calculation, Paul now needs about 200,000 more Euros to ensure his appearance in another match against America. His experience from his first appearance last time could be invaluable.
Paul nearly didn’t make it to Holland because he has been suffering from a sore knee, but after a long chat we decided it was imperative that he play if he was to seriously challenge for a place.
Now he takes his renewed confidence with him to Whistling Straits for the US PGA Championship and will remain in America for another big bucks tournament in Akron, Ohio, which also counts to our Ryder Cup standings.
Paul will not be short of company in Milwaukee this week because ISM will have no fewer than six of our clients at the season’s final grand slam event.
For Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, the only thing on their minds will be winning while Paul, David Howell, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell will also have Ryder Cup qualification at the back of their minds.
Paul’s invitation to the NEC means he has quite an advantage over the others if he can continue his run.
I wish them all the very best of luck at the PGA…. and judging by the comments of the course, it sounds like they are going to need it.
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