McGinley appointed 2014 Ryder Cup captain
18:25, 15 Jan 2013
Paul McGinley has been chosen to lead Europe in their defence of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland next year.
The 46-year-old Dubliner, who becomes Ireland's first captain in the event, takes over from Jose Maria Olazabal against an American side that will have golfing great Tom Watson back in charge at the age of 65.
McGinley holed the 10-foot winning putt on his debut at The Belfry in 2002 and was also part of the victorious sides in 2004 and 2006 before becoming an assistant to Colin Montgomerie three years ago and then Olazabal at Medinah - both wins as well, of course.
McGinley said: "It's a week that I'm really looking forward to."
PAUL McGINLEY FACTFILE
1966: Born December 16 in Dublin.
1986: Promising Gaelic football career is ended by a broken kneecap.
1987: Wins an Irish youth cap in golf.
1988: Becomes Irish youths champion.
1989: Crowned Irish amateur champion.
1991: Earns a Walker Cup cap and turns professional.
1993: Makes his Dunhill Cup and World Cup debuts.
1996: Claims first European Tour win, in Austria.
1997: Achieves his second European Tour victory, and wins World Cup with Padraig Harrington.
2001: Wins Wales Open.
2002: Finishes 18th in first Masters. Makes his Ryder Cup debut and holes the winning putt.
2004: Earns second Ryder Cup cap and finishes unbeaten in a record nine-point win for Europe.
2005: Wins Volvo Masters to finish third on European money list and reach a career-high 18th in world rankings.
2006: Third Ryder Cup cap, and again McGinley plays his part in a nine-point win.
2009: Captains Britain and Ireland to Seve Trophy win.
2010: Among Europe's vice-captains in Ryder Cup win at Celtic Manor.
2011: Makes his 500th European Tour start and captains Britain and Ireland to another Seve Trophy win.
2012: Among vice-captains in another Ryder Cup win for Europe, this time at Medinah.
2013: Named Europe's captain for the 2014 Ryder Cup, to be staged at Gleneagles.
Ryder Cup record:
Caps: 3 (2002-04-06)
Matches played: 9 (4 foursomes, 2 fourballs, 3 singles)
Wins: 2 (1 foursomes, 1 singles)
Halved: 5 (2 fourballs, 1 foursomes, 2 singles)
Lost 2 (2 foursomes)
Points 4 1/2