McGinley was the right choice, says Howell (From Swindon Advertiser)

McGinley was the right choice, says Howell

6:00am Thursday 17th January 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

DAVID Howell is convinced that he and his fellow players made the right choice in selecting Paul McGinley as Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the showdown with the United States at Gleneagles.

Broome Manor pro Howell was on the European Tour's tournament committee which voted in favour of the Irishman at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Former captain Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Sandy Lyle were also considered but it was McGinley who was given the nod for next year's event.

The Dubliner boasts an enviable record in the competition, having won it three times as a player and twice as a non-playing vice-captain, and Howell, himself a Ryder Cup winner in 2004 and 2006, believes Europe have the best man for the job.

“I think Paul will be a great captain,” said Howell.

“He's very experienced and has got a great record in the Ryder Cup, having been on three winning teams as well as holing the winning putt at the Belfry (in 2002).

“He's got great pedigree and is sort of defined by the Ryder Cup, much more so than any major or individual wins.

“He's Ryder Cup through and through and will be able to instil that in the team.

“He did it in the Seve Trophy (winning it as a non-playing captain in 2009 and 2011) and, although I know this is a big jump up, he's a clever guy.

“I haven't played under him in the Seve Trophy, but the players who have are very enthusiastic about the way he went about creating the right atmosphere.

“Paul clearly has that individual man-management skill that sometimes is needed and he is also unbelievably thorough in his preparations.

“He will have a really good plan in place by the time he gets to Gleneagles.”

McGinley was given the tag of 'players' choice' before voting commenced, having received the support of many of his fellow pros - including world number one Rory McIlroy and 2012 Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter.

And Howell feels this backing will stand McGinley in good stead, as he can take on the job knowing he is a popular choice.

Howell said: “The likes of Poulter and Rory have raved about Paul in the press and while two years is a long time, you would be a hard man not to back those two to be at the Ryder Cup.

“He has already got some of the team on side and that's why he's been given the job.”