McGinley in the box seat

PAUL McGINLEY and Colin Montgomerie did precisely what they needed to yesterday on the opening day of the BMW International in Germany.

McGinley, in the tenth and last automatic Ryder Cup place going into the final counting tournament of the campaign, shot a solid round of 70 to strengthen his claims for Oakland Hills next month while Montgomerie virtually assured himself of one of Bernhard Langer's two wild card selections with his splendid five under par 67.

It was essential for Monty to demonstrate to his captain that his current form warranted inclusion while McGinley needed to position himself nicely going into the weekend. Both men succeeded admirably.