McGinley 'desperate' to make Ryder Cup team
Ryder Cup contender Paul McGinley, who holed the winning putt in the last Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 2002, resumed today's action at the Scandinavian Masters three off the lead.
McGinley currently lies 16th in the overall standings but a win here would get him into the automatic qualifying places.
“I am personally very desperate to make the side again as I had a great experience the last time,” said the Dubliner after his 68.
“I would love to play again but it is still in the melting pot. I am about two hundred grand out of making the side at the moment with five tournaments to go, so we will see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Luke Donald succeeded in getting Bernhard Langer’s attention – now the young Englishman wants to make an indelible impression on the Ryder Cup captain.
Donald carded a course-record 65 in the Scandinavian Masters at Barseback to take a one-shot lead over unknown Swede Wilhelm Schauman into today’s third round.
The 26-year-old currently lies 14th in the Ryder Cup world ranking list with only the top five to qualify automatically for the European team to defend the trophy at Oakland Hills in September.
Even a first European Tour victory here tomorrow would only move him up to 10th in the standings, but he is a genuine contender for one of the two wildcards available to Langer given his experience of playing in America and excellent Walker Cup record – he won seven of his eight matches in Britain and Ireland’s victories in 1999 and 2001.
“I have had a good year so far in America and it is nice to come over to Europe and play some good golf over here just to remind everyone I still exist and am still European,” said the 26-year-old, whose round was his lowest in Europe by three shots.
“These few weeks are very important and if I can play well and sneak a win then it is going to get Bernhard Langer’s attention. I have an outside chance of a wildcard I think, I would hope I would be on his mind at least.
“I had a lot of fun playing in the Walker Cup, that team experience playing matchplay is something I relish and playing in a Ryder Cup is what every professional wants on their resume.”
Schauman, who added a second round 67 to his opening 68, received a late invitation into the tournament and normally competes on the third tier Hooters Tour in America.
The 24-year-old University of Minnesota graduate won the superbly named Health Facilities Rehab Classic earlier this season, an event held at Boot Heel Golf Club the same week as the Open championship at Royal Troon.
