McGinley born to lead

Paul McGinley fully acknowledges he is widely regarded as a red-hot favourite to become the first Irish captain of the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

Everywhere he goes he meets the subject, to such an extent that he fears it may well harm his prospects of leading the side against the USA in two years’ time. Ultimately he doesn’t want anyone to think he is openly chasing the position or, as he puts it, “badgering” those who have the final say come next January.

Realistically though, he finds himself in this situation because of his imposing track record both as Ryder Cup player and his successful captaincy of a succession of Seve and Royal Trophy teams. If McGinley and Ireland are passed over again, expect the Irish golfing community to be incandescent with rage.