It’s nearly two years away, but there’s already been plenty of drama around the 2014 Ryder Cup. Selecting a captain has been a contentious process for both sides, with some American veterans bristling at the PGA of America’s choice to make Tom Watson a repeat captain.
Ryder Cup 2014: Paul McGinley selected as European captain
Paul McGinley was unanimously named the European Ryder Cup captain for 2014, where he’ll be opposed by Tom Watson.
Ross Kinnaird
With the US making a bold first move, that drama drifted across the pond as the Euros debated several options to lead their team at Gleneagles. Irishmen Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke were thought to be the favorites for the job, but 2010 Euro leader Colin Montgomerie was not shy about throwing his hat in the ring. With the 2014 Cup being contested in his Scottish homeland, Monty reiterated his interest in the job as the selection process came to a close.
But in the end, it was McGinley who came away with the job after final deliberations in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Clarke reportedly backed off and before the decision, he did take his name out of the running. McGinley became a strong favorite for the likely players on the Euro team, receiving endorsements from Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald this week. It was clear the players preferred to have new blood and were against a repeat Monty captaincy.
Aside from McGinley and Monty, Sandy Lyle, Paul Lawrie, and Miguel Angel Jimenez were the other options discussed and considered.
