Paul McGinley Pays Tribute To “Hero” Tom Watson

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During his press conference in Abu Dhabi new Team Europe captain Paul McGinley paid tribute to his “hero” and soon-to-be rival, Tom Watson.

He said: “Tom Watson is a guy that I wouldn’t say I know very well, but I know him reasonably well from time together in practise rounds.”

“I know he has an affinity not just with the Scottish, but with the Irish as well and I’m really relishing the opportunity of going up against him.

“He’s stands for everything that’s good about the game of golf, and I think I will learn a lot from him as well, too.

“I’m looking forward to being in his company but most of all, I’m looking forward to leading the 12 players that will represent Europe against a very strong American Team, no doubt, in Gleneagles in two years’ time, and try to somehow match what we did at Medinah.  And so that’s going to be a great task I’m looking forward to it.”

In reply, the American skipper said: “I congratulate Paul McGinley upon his selection as the next European Ryder Cup Captain and anticipate that his passion and love of the event will transfer to being an outstanding leader of his team in 2014 at Gleneagles.

“Paul has been connected to four winning European Ryder Cup Teams and is an outstanding representative of European golf. I look forward to sharing the stage with him as we make our journey to Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Ted Bishop, the President of the PGA of America, said: “The PGA of America congratulates Paul McGinley as Europe’s next Ryder Cup Captain. I will never forget the scene at The Belfry in 2002 when Paul holed a putt on the 18th hole to halve Jim Furyk which won the Ryder Cup for Europe and his subsequent celebratory dive into the neighboring pond.

“Images of an emotional Paul with the Irish flag wrapped around his body is something I will always remember. We join our partners and friends across the Atlantic in preparing for what should be one of the greatest chapters in Ryder Cup history.”

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