McGinley brings Ryder Cup feel to 103rd SA Open
European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley is already plotting how to keep the Samuel Ryder trophy in European hands when he leads Europe’s defence against the US at Gleneagles next year.
But first, the Dubliner is coming to South Africa to compete in the 103rd South African Open Championship at Glendower Golf Club, from November 21 to 24, hoping to find some of the same magic that sparked defending champion Henrik Stenson’s spectacular return to form.
South African golf fans will get the chance to see the popular Irishman in action when he lines up alongside the Swedish world number four in the first counting event on the 2014 European Tour International Schedule.
McGinley has enjoyed an illustrious career on the European Tour, including four European Tour victories and three victorious Ryder Cup performances.
He will always be remembered for holing the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002, however, he is yet to add his name to the star-studded list of former champions of the world’s second-oldest national Open, a championship co-sanctioned between the Sunshine Tour and The European Tour.
“There is certainly an impressive list of names already on the trophy, and I would love nothing more than to add mine on there as well,” says McGinley.
McGinley first came out to South Africa in 1997 and returned for the South African Open in 1999, 2001 and 2004. The 46-year-old Dubliner says he is relishing the opportunity to return to South Africa.
“I love playing in South Africa, because the crowds are always supportive and cheerful; they just want to come out and watch great golf and support everyone. The weather is always great, too.
“It’s going to be huge year for me in 2014, but first I just want to see 2013 out among friends and fans and who knows, maybe a little South African magic will rub off on me too.”
