2014 Ryder Cup: Europe captain Paul McGinley wary of USA momentum in opening singles matches
Last Updated: 28/09/14 9:38am
Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has called on his team to snuff out any potential USA comeback at the very start of the singles matches at Gleneagles on Sunday.
McGinley’s team holds a 10-6 lead heading into the final day of the event at and need just four more points from the 12 contests to retain the trophy.
The scoreline puts Europe in a hugely-commanding position but such a deficit has been overhauled twice in the last seven editions of the Ryder Cup.
The USA will need a fast start and have placed their top two performers – rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed – at the head of the order for Sunday.
"He's got two players up there who proved that they are ready for Ryder Cups. They have performed admirably this week, both of them,” McGinley said.
"As much as you have experience, it's very good, but form is just as good. Form is huge.
"He's got three young guys going out first three matches. He's going with guys who are out there to try and make a reputation for themselves, playing on away soil, coming back from a deficit of four points down would be a big motivating factor and I'm sure one Tom will be mentioning tonight.
Prepared
"It's important that our guys are ready for that, prepared for it. If they win three of the first four points they have got momentum then coming down.
"They have some big players down the end as well. As I've said many times, this is a strong American team. They have got a great mixture in there of a lot of youthfulness and a bedrock of experience. These are not to be underestimated."
Graeme McDowell will face Spieth on Sunday while Henrik Stenson will be second out for Europe against Reed.
McGinley revealed he already knew two years ago that he wanted 2010 US Open champion McDowell to lead out the singles effort at Gleaneagles.
He added: "I didn't share it with anyone and I only shared it with Graeme this week.
"He wanted to play five matches and I told him I wanted him to play twice with Victor and be fresh to play No 1 on Sunday. (He has) a big heart, big player, loves the big occasion.
"And for me, you need a fighter, a real fighter in that first game. That sets the tone for the day.
“That's the guy that goes in with the hard tackle, the first hard tackle in a soccer match and imposes himself in the middle of midfield. Graeme is that kind of guy."
Watch all the final day's action live on Sky Ryder Cup - channel 405 - from 10am on Sunday.
