Play your way onto Ryder team

European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley arrives at Fota Island today for the Irish Open on a high after seeing Martin Kaymer run away with the US Open at the weekend and several other members of his likely team make a favourable impression at Pinehurst.

McGinley, who won the first of his four Irish PGA Championships at Fota in 1997, last night reflected on a tournament that he believes will do a great deal for Europe’s prospects at Gleneagles next September 26-28.

“I was delighted with Martin’s win, I texted him immediately after the final round finished with my own congratulations and he texted me straight back – obviously he was thrilled” said McGinley. “It takes a certain kind of individual to do what he did at Pinehurst and I was particularly impressed not just with the physical side of his performance but also the mental strength he showed over the four days.

“The US Open is a marathon with the potential for disaster lurking on almost every hole and therefore for Martin not only to lead from start to finish, but also to increase his lead from the first round to the last, was extraordinary”

Kaymer emulated McGinley at Medinah two years ago when he sank the winning putt to finish off Europe’s amazing comeback. At the time, his game was in something of a slump but the German’s self belief proved invaluable when it mattered most. It was again one of his trump cards at Pinehurst.

“Martin has proved himself a valuable Ryder Cup team member in the past and to back up what he did in Medinah with this victory on a personal level – adding to his Players Championship success last month – is fantastic, not just for the team but for the European Tour as well”, said the European skipper. “And it was a good week all round from our perspective with Henrik Stenson showing some of the form he exhibited towards the end of last season while Justin Rose put up a strong defence of his title.

“Ian Poulter and Victor Dubuisson also featured and I’ll be looking for all these guys to challenge once again at the majors and world golf championship events coming up. I’ve been consistent with that message to the players over the past few months and it remains the same now: namely, go out and play your best and challenge for major honours. If you do that, the Ryder Cup will come to you, you don’t have to go chasing it.”

Now, all the 47 year-old Dubliner has to do is go out and challenge for a second title at Fota this week!