• Ryder Cup

McGinley hails Ferguson factor

ESPN staff
September 29, 2014
Paul McGinley said Sir Alex Ferguson acted as a sounding board at Gleneagles © Getty Images
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Paul McGinley has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson for the former Manchester United manager's impact on Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team.

Ferguson made numerous appearances in the European team room throughout their 16.5-11.5 win over the US at Gleneagles, with world No.1 golfer and United fan Rory McIlroy admitting a pep talk from Ferguson left him "in a trance".

Ferguson retired from United 16 months ago, though European captain McGinley confirmed the Scot has lost none of his coaching prowess.

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Paul McGinley is held aloft by his European charges © Getty Images
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"My wife gave me some of the best advice I've ever had in my life in the 2002 Ryder Cup when I holed the winning putt," McGinley said. "She said, 'don't drink too much, just enjoy these moments.'

"Alex Ferguson came into the room last night and that's exactly what he said as well. He said he felt like he was back in the boiler room, thank you for the pleasure.

"I bounced ideas off him all week, he didn't preach to me, he didn't tell me what to do but what he did solidified my ideas and he gave me confidence that my hunches were right.

"He also felt that connection with the players. All the players treated him as a friend, having a drink with him, pulling his leg again. It was great to see."

Ferguson also believes he benefitted from the experience with the European team. "It was fantastic to be in their company," he said. "Both sides are the best players in their countries and the whole of Europe.

"You saw the competition, the margins were so small - some of the putting was outstanding and that's the measure of the quality of golfer we're watching."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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