The victorious Ryder Cup golf captain, Irishman Paul McGinley has saluted Sir Alex Ferguson for his contribution to Europe's triumphant campaign against the United States, describing the former Manchester United manager as a guiding light to him and his team.
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 72-year-old Scot, who was invited to address the team before the three-day competiton started, was a constant presence in the locker room as Europe beat the United States by 16-1/2 points to 11-1/2.
Captain McGinley says throughout the three days he was bouncing ideas off the great football manager who didn't tell him what to do, but gave him the confidence to go with his hunches, and he was a positive influence on the entire team.
Ferguson said after the match that he believed he got more out of the Ryder Cup experience in his native Scotland than McGinley and his winning team.
In contrast the former world number one, now commentator Nick Faldo accused Phil Mickelson of "throwing the captain under the bus" through his outspoken criticism of the United States captain Tom Watson.
Rory McIlroy showed why he's the world's number one golfer, producing a dazzling performance in the final-day singles to spearhead Europe's victory charge in the 40th Ryder Cup.
Europe's Jamie Donaldson and Rory McIlroy celebrate on the 16th green after winning the Ryder Cup. 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Playing in the third match of the day, the 25-year-old Northern Irishman showed the full range of his dynamic shot-making skills as he powered to an emphatic 5 & 4 win over close friend Rickie Fowler.
McIlroy wielded a red-hot putter on a sunny day at Scotland's Gleneagles, notching four birdies and an eagle in the first six holes to leave his American opponent reeling.
There was no stopping the British Open and US PGA champion as he claimed three more birdies before closing out the American on the 14th green.
