http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/golf/2 ... 91078.htmlMALACHY CLERKIN in Abu Dhabi
Golf: Paul McGinley is the first ever Irish captain of a Ryder Cup team after the European Tournament Committee chose the Dubliner ahead of Colin Montgomerie this evening. A lengthy meeting in Abu Dhabi concluded with the news many expected, and others then feared we might not get, after Montgomerie’s late entrance to the race.
For months it had appeared a straight choice between McGinley and fellow Irishman Darren Clarke, but the Ulsterman muddied the waters when he decided to step aside and leave former skipper Montgomerie as the Dubliner's main rival to lead Europe at Glenaeagles, after his success of 2010 at Celtic Manor. Two other Scots - Sandy Lyle and Paul Lawrie - were also considered for the role, as was Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Reports over the weekend suggested the wind might have been blowing in Monty's favour, with ’sources’ close to the 49-year-old expressing confidence he would be selected. But McGinley, who has maintained a dignified silence throughout the process, enjoyed the support of the players likely to be playing next year, with Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter all rowing in behind his candidacy.
Just nine members of the 15-strong selection committee were actually involved in the vote and after nearly three hours word filtered through that McGinley was their man.
“Obviously, I’m delighted to have this honour to lead the European team,” said McGinley on being introduced by Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn. “It's a very humbling experience to be sitting in this seat and it's a week that I'm really looking forward to.”
American team captain Tom Watson, who McGinley described as one of his "great heroes", welcomed the Irishman's appointment almost immediately.
"Congrats to Paul McGinley on your R/C Captaincy," he said on Twitter. "Looking forward to our future competition. You're a class act."
