Can Paul take it to next level?

PAUL McGINLEY’S splendid performance in finishing third in the NEC World Championship in Ohio has given a huge boost to the 38-year-old Dubliner.

Having started the year in 68th place, he is now up to 35th in the world rankings and almost certain to stay in the top 50 at the end of the year - meaning a starting place in the four majors and all of the world championships in 2006.

He has improved to sixth in the European Tour order of merit with just over €1m and only Michael Campbell, Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie, Angel Cabrera and Thomas Bjorn are ahead of him.