Ryder Cup: Curtis Strange believes Paul McGinley can match Tom Watson

Former US Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange has tipped European captain Paul McGinley to be more than a match for his opposite number Tom Watson at Gleneagles next week.

Watson is bidding to become the first US captain to lead his team to victory on European soil since he himself managed the feat at the Belfry in 1993 while McGinley is hoping to win a third consecutive title for Europe.

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The 65-year-old American’s playing resume –which includes eight major titles - dwarfs that of McGinley, but Strange believes the Irishman is more than a match for Watson when it comes to captaining a Ryder Cup team.

"Tom Watson being captain after so many years I think was a good choice from the standpoint of his age," Strange said.

"The players will want to do well for him and he will demand a certain amount of respect because of what he has accomplished in the game and brought to the game, which is a good thing.

“You want your players to play hard for you as well as your country and your tour. There is a lot of talk about Tom Watson but do not underestimate Paul McGinley.

“Tom Watson has a grand championship record, especially over here in the Open (Watson won five Open titles, four of them in Scotland).

Great ambassador

"He's been a great ambassador for the game for many, many years and he continues to play well, but Paul McGinley is a smart man, he's a competitor and he captained the Seve Trophy twice so he has experience and Paul will represent his team very, very well."

Strange was captain at The Belfry in 2002 after the 2001 contest was postponed following the terrorist attacks in the United States.

His side recovered from losing the first three matches to go into the final day’s singles matches level at 8-8.

Expecting the final few matches to be decisive, Strange elected to put Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods at the bottom of his line-up, only to see the contest decided when McGinley secured a half point against Jim Furyk.

Despite the criticism he faced, he still believes putting the strongest players at the bottom of the order is the best tactic for the US team to employ for the final day’s singles.

"I really thought the matches would be really close," Strange said. "I know I got second-guessed, I got crucified over that.

"When you really feel the matches would be close coming down the last, I want my best guy last, especially when you're playing at The Belfry.

“It would be different playing somewhere in America, but playing on foreign soil I'd want my best player playing last.”