Paul McGinley plays down McGuinness role for Ryder Cup

Paul McGinley has played down the rumours of Jimmy McGuinness’ role in the Ryder Cup by confirming he will not be part of the official team.

By Declan Whooley

After being named as European captain, the 46 year-old Dubliner hinted that he would be using his GAA connections to help boost the challenge, with Donegal boss McGuinness and Tyrone manager Mickey Harte named as men he would be likely to consult ahead of the tournament at Gleneagles.

He has however confirmed that the height of their involvement, and in particular his close friend McGuinness, has been a little wide of the mark.

“Look, it’s safe to say Jimmy is a friend of mine. He’s a guy I’ve known for a number of years, a family friend. He’s a real good friend of my dad (Michael) and he’s been up to our house quite a lot. Like most people who are friends with me, of course I will discuss the Ryder Cup with him,” he is quoted as saying in today’s Irish Times.

“I’ll be asking his opinion on this or that. But in terms of him sitting in the cart or riding around with me, no, that’s not going to happen . . . he won’t be officially sitting on the cart and wearing the European colours. No.”

He added that it is important not to play the “Irish card” as it is a European team.

“I am representing Europe. As much as I am Irish and proud of being Irish, proud of my GAA background and proud of all those things that made me into what I am, at the end of the day this is Paul McGinley representing Europe and it is going to be in Scotland.”

Let’s hope Europe will be winning matches, with or without Jimmy involved.