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.