McGinley cool on Gallacher dream
EUROPE’S Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has vowed to favour his head over his heart today when he names his three wildcard selections for this month’s contest against the United States.
Among McGinley’s dilemmas has been whether to hand Stephen Gallacher a debut after the Scot missed out on automatic qualification by a single stroke at the Italian Open on Sunday.
Gallacher’s case is particularly emotive, since he is the nephew of former Ryder Cup skipper Bernard Gallacher and lives just 35 miles from Gleneagles, this year’s venue for the biennial clash.
But McGinley, who was due to meet last night to discuss selection with his two vice-captains, fellow Irishman Des Smyth and City A.M. columnist Sam Torrance, insists he will be dispassionate in his choices.
Experienced English trio Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald are also relying on wildcard picks, as is Italian Francesco Molinari, part of Europe’s triumphs in the last two clashes with the US.
“His performance this week will be very strongly in his favour when it comes to making the picks,” McGinley said of Gallacher. “But there’s a lot of emotion at the moment and let’s just put a little bit of cold water on it. He’s got a lot of things in his favour, but other players do as well and I’ve got to be fair to everybody and do what I feel is best for Europe. I like to assess things in a cold way.”
US captain Tom Watson is also set to confirm his 12-man team today.
IN MIX FOR PICKS
Lee Westwood
Ryder Cup wins/appearances: 6/8
Points record: 21 of 37
Ian Poulter
Ryder Cup wins/appearances: 3/4
Points record: 12 of 15
Luke Donald
Ryder Cup wins/appearances: 6/8
Points record: 10.5 of 15
Stephen Gallacher
Ryder Cup wins/appearances: N/A
Points record: N/A