Torrance backs McGinleys Cup u-turn

Former Ryder Cup skipper Sam Torrance has backed Paul McGinley’s decision to give up the vice-captaincy for next year’s event and claims it was an “absolutely horrific” decision by Nick Faldo to offer the role so early.

Faldo will captain the European team next September in Valhalla, Kentucky, and had invited McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal to be his vice-captains.

Both accepted, but Faldo announced on Wednesday that McGinley was no longer prepared to take on the role, preferring instead to focus on earning a playing position in the team.

Torrance, who led the European team to victory at The Belfry in 2002, also played at eight Ryder Cups.

He told The Scotsman: “I thought it was absolutely horrific of Faldo to ask Olazabal and McGinley to be vice-captains. It was a real mistake in my mind.

“The vice-captains can’t do anything, unless you have something you specifically want them to do. And I can’t think of anything they need to be doing nine months before an event.

“They should come in with six weeks to go, and talk to the players, look after them if need be. But to ask two current players – to me that’s just an insult.

“And now McGinley’s pulled out, which I think is great. He now has the chance to get his head down, and get on with his game.”

Torrance, 54, stressed he would want to give 40-year-old McGinley and 41-year-old Olazabal – veterans of three and seven previous Ryder Cups respectively – every chance of making the team in a playing capacity.