McGinely insists team excitement ahead of Ryder Cup

Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has said the team are looking forward to defending their crown against Team USA with the start of the tournament imminent. Europe are odds-on at 8/13 for victory at Gleneagles with Coral, while Tom Watson’s cluster of players are 7/4.

Speaking at an official Ryder Cup press conference, McGinley said: “We’re in good shape, we’re all very excited. Some players are playing this week, who I am having dinner with tonight along with their caddies, and other guys are preparing across the world.”

The 47-year-old also spoke at length about the players on his team who have been in America on the PGA Tour, and is pleased that they will get the chance to rest.

“I’m delighted the guys who have been playing in America have got a week to rest they didn’t have it at Medinah [two years ago] and I think we suffered for that,” McGinley continued.

“I’m under no illusions, if we don’t win the Ryder Cup it won’t be because of complacency, we know it’s going to be a strongly motivated American team. This is not a case of turning up, this is going to be very difficult . We will be absolutely ready for this.”

Speaking about the absence of Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson from the Wales Open, McGinley added: “I spoke to Graeme. There are reasons why he didn’t play: his wife has just had a baby.

“He’s disappointed he’s not playing here but he’s coming over on Friday. Vic is Vic and he decided to say at a very late stage he would prepare better in France.

“He’s a guy who disappears and then comes out of nowhere and plays well in a tournament. I’ve no problem with him having an extended period off. I know he’s really keyed up for next week.”