McGinley boosts Ryder Cup hopes

Paul McGinley boosted his Ryder Cup hopes in the early holes at Gleneagles today as he played his first 12 holes of the Diageo Championship in four under par to be only one behind early leader Nick O’Hern, of Australia.

McGinley, the match-winning hero of the 2002 match, underwent knee surgery this spring after finishing second to Mark O’Meara in the Dubai Desert Classic.

He is currently 17th in the race for places in Europe’s team this September, but could go eighth by winning on Sunday.

Both he and O’Hern covered the back nine first in 33, three under, and while McGinley added another birdie at the 431-yard third left-hander O’Hern picked up further shots on the second and third.

Swede Pierre Fulke, another member of the side at The Belfry two years ago but a lowly 120th on the European Order of Merit this season, was lying third at three under.

Earlier Gary Murphy completed a fine round with a two under par 70 to leave him tied for seventh place.

Scott Drummond, playing for the first time since his stunning victory in the Volvo PGA championship two weeks ago, was one under with six to play.

Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie, the only player in the field taking part at Shinnecock Hills next week, were among the later starters.