A European win forged in Ireland
The venue was Scottish, the highest points scorer was Englishman Justin Rose and the winning point secured by Welshman Jamie Donaldson. Yet on a team comprised of nine different nationalities, captain McGinley and his two compatriots produced the golf that got Europe over the line for a famous 16½-11½ at Gleneagles last night.
McGinley’s contribution was everywhere, not just over the three days of this compelling contest but in two years of meticulous planning that earned the praise, plaudits and gratitude of his players.
On a day that started with his side leading 10-6, just four-and-a-half points away from winning the famous little trophy for a third successive time, it was McDowell and McIlroy who delivered on their captain’s instructions to lead the charge towards victory.
McDowell was sent out first against Jordan Spieth, his lead-off role decided by McGinley far in advance with the Portrush man forced to warm the bench for both morning sessions on Friday and Saturday, against the player’s instincts, in order to stay fresh for his Sunday best.
While McIlroy was in the third slot as McGinley put the world No 1 in prime position to stem the anticipated US fightback.
And as it turned out it was a revved up McIlroy, winner of this season’s Open and PGA Championships, who got the first point on the board after he demolished season-long rival Rickie Fowler 5&4, coming out of the blocks like a whirlwind to go five up after just six holes to leave the American reeling.
“That was our whole game plan going out, to try and put blue on the board as early as possible and try and get this thing won as soon as we could,” McIlroy said. “G-Mac and Henrik [Stenson, playing second against Patrick Reed] before me had a couple of tight battles, and I just went out there and got off to a really, really hot start, and didn’t really give Rickie a chance.
“It was great to be able to put that first point on the board. I personally am just really proud of how I played. I was probably up for this match more than I was the final rounds of the two Majors I won this year, I was more up for it today. It just meant so much to be to be a part of this team and to win.”
McDowell’s part in executing the plan was not quite so straightforward but still impressive in its own way as he battled back from three holes down as rookie Spieth, 21, got off to a fast start, winning three of the first five holes. With Reed giving Stenson a hard time, eventually winning 1-up, and Hunter Mahan leading Rose 4-up after six in the fourth match, the early momentum was with the USA, McIlroy the only one stemming the red tide on the scoreboard.
It was McDowell, though, who led the blue rally when McGinley needed it most. The captain had called him a fighter and he lived up to the billing, turning his match on its head with five wins in the next six holes to take a 2-up lead he would not give up as the rookie faded under the pressure.
McIlroy was at the 17th green in time to congratulate McDowell as he completed the turnaround by sinking a five-foot putt to win 2&1.
“You delivered, you delivered,” McGinley told the man he had sent out first to get Europe up and running.
“The idea was to go out first and put some blue on the board,” McDowell said. “It was looking awfully red early on.
“Took me a while. We talked about it in the team room last night, whether you’re 3-up or 3-down, the key is to try to win the next hole. Playing a home Ryder Cup, winning a hole or doing anything, sends a message to the rest of the team.
“I made a few birdies and Jordan kind of wobbled a little bit and it was awesome to put that point on the board.
“The captain trusted me with a leadership role today. I was very proud to do so, and to get that point was huge.”
McDowell had landed the winning point for Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor four years ago. Now he was at the top of the order, setting the tone with his win, backing up McIlroy’s dominance of Rickie Fowler.
Rose fought back to halve his match with Mahan, while rookie Stephen Gallacher took Phil Mickelson to the 17th hole before losing 3&1 and Martin Kaymer followed McIlroy with a 4&2 win over Bubba Watson to squash any hopes of a US revival.
With 3.5 points from the first six matches, Europe were a half from retaining the trophy and a point from defeating the Americans.
Donaldson duly delivered with his wedge to inside two feet at the 15th, his arrival at the green met with a handshake from Tom Watson and a concession from Keegan Bradley.
The plan — McGinley’s plan — had come together a treat. Europe were home.
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