McGinley attempts to halt decline

By Phil Gordos

McGinley says he needs to recharge his batteries before the Ryder Cup

Paul McGinley admits his game needs urgent attention ahead of this month's Ryder Cup at the K Club.

The 39-year-old Irishman has seen his form dip worryingly in recent months, culminating in a second missed cut in a row at the Singapore Open on Friday.

"It's quite clear my game is not in the place it should be, so I have work to do," said McGinley, whose putt gave Europe victory at the Belfry in 2002.

"The way I've been playing, shooting 75s, I'm not going to beat anyone."

McGinley plans to visit coach Bob Torrance next week in an effort to find a solution to his ills.

His main concerns are his putting and driving, but he says he needs to keep practising his short game as well.

"I'm going to have to play better, there's no doubt about that," said McGinley, who has featured in the last two Ryder Cups for Europe.

It's important I have a rest so when I get to the K Club I am in good shape and ready to play my part Paul McGinley

McGinley also plans to take time off to recharge his batteries before the clash with the United States begins on 22 September.

"A lot of mental energy was used up in the last few months of qualification because you use up a lot more mental energy when you are not playing well," he said.

"It's important I have a rest so when I get to the K Club I am in good shape and ready to play my part."

McGinley could only shoot a 76 and 77 in Singapore to finish 11 over after two rounds.

His best finish on the European Tour this season was a share of 18th place at the Deutsche Bank event in July.

Clarke will be playing in his fifth Ryder Cup after debuting in 1997

Meanwhile, McGinley insists wildcard pick Darren Clarke will be an asset not a liability at the K Club.

The Ulsterman lost his wife, Heather, to cancer just four weeks ago and has taken time off to mourn.

But McGinley thinks his close friend will be ready to take on the Americans when the action gets under way in less than a fortnight's time.

"He has dealt with one of the toughest situations you have to deal with in life," said McGinley.

"Not only was his wife dying, but he had to guide his kids through a minefield of emotions, too.

"But he has come out the other side a better person for it and a lot stronger as well, so I've got not fears about him dealing with it emotionally.

"A couple of things will help him. Three or four of the players won't have their wives with them, so Darren won't stick out. Plus he knows all the other wives anyway."

I know he's been practising hard and it's been going really well... he'll be right up for it McGinley on Darren Clarke

McGinley also revealed that Clarke, 38, is looking forward to locking horns with the Americans.

"I know he's been practising hard and it's been going really well," said McGinley.

"He'll be right up for it. He is going to play Madrid next week, so I don't have any worries whatsoever about Darren.

"He's a world-class player and a big personality.

"He has been part of four Ryder Cups, so he's been there and is experienced. He's got a lot of respect from both our team and the Americans."