Paul McGinley backs Europe's six rookies to handle the pressure of the Ryder Cup
By Keith Jackson
Last Updated: 20/09/16 1:12pm
Paul McGinley believes Europe's quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory will not be hampered by having six rookies in their team at Hazeltine next week.
The English quartet of Danny Willett, Andy Sullivan, Chris Wood and Matt Fitzpatrick will make their debuts in the contest having all qualified automatically along with Rafa Cabrera Bello, and captain Darren Clarke then added another rookie in Thomas Pieters as one of his three wildcards.
But McGinley is not concerned at half the team being first-time participants in the Ryder Cup, with all six enjoying a successful year and being in good form in recent weeks.
Willett proved his mettle on the big stage when he made his major breakthrough at The Masters in April, while Wood carved his way through a strong field on the final day of the BMW PGA Championship to win the European Tour's flagship event at Wentworth.
Pieters also impressed under pressure when he fired a stunning 62 while playing with Clarke at the Made In Denmark, and he went on to birdie the final three holes to win the tournament and earn his place for Hazeltine.
"The European team have six rookies heading to Hazeltine, but I don't think that will be an issue or a concern," McGinley told Sky Sports News HQ. "The term 'rookie' is one that I'm not comfortable with these days. They are all experienced players, they've all won big tournaments, and they have all performed on the big stage - most notably Danny Willett winning the Masters earlier this year.
"Darren's team is also in great form. They are young, vibrant and they will not be intimidated by the atmosphere of a Ryder Cup in the United States. They are part of a team and Darren will be making sure they don't lose their focus. Don't play the occasion, play the game of golf."
Europe's more experienced players will also head to Minnesota full of confidence, with Rory McIlroy returning to the winner's circle at the Deutsche Bank Championship hot on the heels of Justin Rose's historic victory at the Olympic Games last month, while Henrik Stenson produced arguably the round of the year in his Open victory at Royal Troon.
"Rory's recent win at the Deutsche Bank Championship was very important for him. He is Europe's highest-ranked player, and we all know how talented he is," McGinley added. "Apart from winning the Irish Open, he's had a quiet year particularly on the PGA Tour and in the major championships.
"But he addressed the problems he was having with his putting, hired a new coach and that was validated with his win in Boston. It has given him a lot of confidence, and I think we'll see a buoyant and energised Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup.
"Henrik Stenson has had a few issues with injury and, having had eight operations on my knee, I know what it's like for him. He apparently needs more minor surgery on his knee, but the problem can be managed for now.
"He had an injury at Gleneagles two years ago, but we managed that very well and I'm sure Darren will be talking to Henrik and his medical team, and he'll hope to get the most out of him. He's a very important player for Europe, he's had a huge season and he's also a major champion now.
"Most of the American players have a higher world ranking, they are playing at home and they have only one rookie in their team, at the moment. But Europe have a nice blend of youth and experience and - most importantly - a lot of form.
"You look at the rookies, and then there's Rory, Henrik, or Justin winning Olympic gold - you look at that European team and all you can see is good form, particularly over the last couple of months. That's a great place to be going into a Ryder Cup."
McGinley is also expecting Clarke to be an astute captain who will make sure the famous team spirit in the European camp will be evident on and off the course next week.
"Many people have credited Europe's dominance in recent years to having a better team ethic, and Darren will be making absolutely sure it will be the same next week," he said. "His five vice-captains will certainly help in that regard, especially someone like Ian Poulter, and I think we'll definitely see more of that.
"I've spoken to Darren a couple of times, and I'll certainly try to give him any help I can if he needs it. But I think it's important for Darren to be his own man. He's got a lot of experience having played in five Ryder Cups, and he's been a big player with a big history.
"He's also been a vice-captain twice, and he led Europe to victory in the EurAsia Cup at the start of the year. It's important for him to do what he believes is right for Europe to win the Ryder Cup again."
