McGinley battles for Ryder Cup with a smile

Qualifying for the Ryder Cup may be a serious business but Paul McGinley and Ian Poulter are determined to enjoy themselves.

Both had good opening rounds in the KLM Open in Holland, raising expectations of them being in the reckoning come Sunday when valuable points will be at stake.

But despite the possible immense disappointment of not being selected for next month’s clash against the USA the pair are trying to enjoy their time on the course.

McGinley, who began with a bogey five but then had four birdies and an eagle at the last, is 15th on the list and he believes he has to win another £200,000 (€300,000) in the next four weeks.

“It is an exciting thing to be looking for (Ryder Cup qualification) and it is fun being in the melting pot trying to make the team,” he said.

“There is pressure but it is a team I really want to make.”

Meanwhile Poulter shot seven birdies and four bogeys in his 67. "I feel great on the golf course," said Poulter.

"I made loads of birdies and I am going to look forward to today and the weekend hopefully,” said Poulter, who shot seven birdies and four bogeys in his 67.

Leader David Lynn tees off this afternoon at seven under after six birdies and an eagle three in his career-best round of 67.

He leads by one from Andrew Raitt, who confirmed he will quit golf at the end of this season. The Englishman is struggling to compete after a dog bit off part of his little finger in 1995, affecting his grip and swing and costing him around £250,000 (€375,000) in legal costs.