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McGinley hails self-belief

19/09/2006

Paul McGinley has claimed he has rediscovered his self-belief in time to play in Ireland's Ryder Cup debut.

The Dubliner has admitted his delight at representing Europe when the Ryder Cup arrives in the Republic for the first time and both himself and fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington were cheered by the home fans throughout their practice round together.

McGinley's form has dipped in the last few weeks but he insists being back on home soil has helped him rediscover his game.

"I'm sure the adrenaline and the excitement of playing in front of my home crowd and playing in the Ryder Cup will bring my form to a new level this week, like it will to a lot of guys," McGinley said.

"I'm not back to the confidence I know Paul McGinley can have, but I feel I have turned the corner. I have work to do though. My short game is still not as sharp as I'd like it to be, but I had a really good week of practice last week and I'm raring to go."

One man who has raised a lot of emotions this week has been Ulsterman Darren Clarke, who will play in only his second tournament since the death of his wife, Heather, from breast cancer.

McGinley and his family are very close to the Clarke's and he skipped the US PGA Championship to be at the funeral.

Therefore, McGinley is well placed to judge his friend's mental state and he dismissed any doubts surrounding Clarke's participation at the K Club.

"He's come through a very, very tough period in his life but Darren is great; Darren is tough," McGinley added.

"It's nice that he's got something sort of joyous to look forward to as he has this week and he's absolutely buzzing, delighted to be here."

Clarke was paired on his practice round with fellow wildcard pick Lee Westwood.

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