Was McGinley the best captain ever?

Paul McGinley has been hailed as Europe’s best captain ever after his team beat the USA at Gleneagles. 

Sergio Garcia, who beat Jim Furyk on the 18th, said: “He has been so methodical. Every single aspect he needed to touch on, he did. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great captains but Paul did things a little bit differently but with great style.

“He has been a little bit more of a modern captain, taking care of every single detail. He knew what we had was good and working but improved it without changing it.”

Rory McIlroy added: “I can’t say enough about the captain. Paul McGinley has been absolutely immense this week. He has left no stone unturned. He has given this week a lot of thought over the last two years. I am just glad it worked out for him.”

Welsh rookie Jamie Donaldson secured the trophy for the home team on the 15th green by beating former U.S. PGA champion Keegan Bradley 4&3.

He said: “He’s been sensational, incredible. It’s been a hell of a week.”
Captain McGinley described each of his players as “a colossus” after holders Europe won the Ryder Cup for the eighth time in the last 10 outings. 

“Proud is the first word,” McGinley told Sky Sports as he embraced the smiling Donaldson.

“I want to say it’s been a real honour to get these 12 players, they have all been a colossus, all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice-captains, it’s been a huge team effort.

“This ugly face,” McGinley said of Donaldson. “To see how happy it is, and the pride that we give to everybody and the happiness of the people in the stands…I’m giving it for everybody else, it’s not for me.

“Playing is something very, very special and I said to the guys last night, as much as I’ve enjoyed captain, it’s different than playing. Enjoy it, be out there and enjoy it, because the days happen so quick and they go. It’s been a real great honour.”