Expect perfectionist McGinley to have everything down to a tee today

As prepared as Paul McGinley undoubtedly was for this week’s Ryder Cup matches at Gleneagles, there were a number of outstanding issues that would have made him nervous.

The first would have been how he presented to his players and to the media at large. First impressions count. At Valhalla in 2008, the last time that Europe lost the Ryder Cup, Nick Faldo looked decidedly unprepared from the word go, and things went from bad to worse. The same cannot be said for Captain McGinley, thankfully. To date, he has looked composed, prepared and most importantly he has his players fully engaged.

The second issue that will preoccupy his mind today will be his opening ceremonial speech, where he will outline the hopes and aspirations of his European team, not only to his USA counterparts but also to the golfing world at large. Being a perfectionist, he will have already practised his speech many times — but now he will have to deliver it to his own players. Will he hit the right notes? Will it motivate and galvanise his players? Will the media be happy?