McGinley: 'A great weight has been lifted'

Paul McGinley has been talking of his 'relief' at qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team.

McGinley, who has slipped from fourth to 10th in the table this year before finishing just above Olazabal, said from his home: ``It's a huge relief. I've been under a great deal of pressure and I feel a great weight has been lifted.

“Now I can get ready for one of the biggest weeks in my life without worrying or having to look over my shoulder.

“It’s going to be a fantastic week and I would have hated not to be part of it.”

With Olazabal unavailable for comment it was left to his manager Sergio Gomez to give the 40-year-old’s reaction.

“He is delighted to be in the team – and much more delighted than if he had been a pick,” he stated.

“I spoke to him an hour ago and he said he will do his best to be a very positive element in the team. He does not forget that in the singles in 1993 he was beaten by Raymond Floyd when he was 51.

“Jose still loves the game and keeps himself as fit as possible.”

Colin Montgomerie said on Thursday he was “very surprised” by Olazabal’s decision not to play the final counting event when he was not sure of his place. The Scot was not alone in that and the conversation between them might be interesting when next they meet.

Meanwhile, in the tournament Swede Martin Erlandsson took over the lead at 15 under by one from Harrington, Henrik Stenson and Retief Goosen. Howell bogeyed the first two holes and was joint fifth with Montgomerie – back safely from flying to the Robbie Williams concert in Glasgow on Saturday night.