McGinley relishes glory putt

McGinley and the other debutants had a breakfast pep talk

By Sean Martin BBC Sport Online

Rookie Paul McGinley, whose putt claimed the Ryder Cup for Europe, never believed he would get the chance to win the match.

McGinley kept his composure to sink the nine-foot putt that gave Europe 14½ points, and denied the United States the trophy.

And the Irishman admitted he was grateful his nerve had held out.

There were 11 heroes on this team and there's one that's a slightly bigger hero today and that's Paul McGinley

Pierre Fulke

"I knew how important it was, and it was for the Ryder Cup.

"I knew the line, it was a matter of having the nerve to hit it on the line and fortunately I did.

"To actually hole the putt was magnificent," said the 35-year-old, who is coached by Sam Torrance's father Bob.

McGinley the hero

Another Ryder Cup debutant, Pierre Fulke, revealed that the four rookies (Phillip Price, Niclas Fasth, McGinley and himself) had breakfast together prior to taking to the course.

Fulke said they had talked about how important their contribution would be.

"We all pretty much said one of us is probably going to be the hero today.

To be able to make a putt in the singles when it mattered meant more to me than anything you can imagine

Phillip Price

"There were 11 heroes on this team and there's one that's a slightly bigger hero today and that's Paul McGinley," added Fulke.

For Price, who sank a 15-foot putt to beat Phil Mickelson, the chance to play in a Ryder Cup and make a contribution was an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.

"The press had said that I was out of form, which was pretty true.

"It was making me feel like I would be better off not playing, but I wanted to be a member of the Ryder Cup years ago and I was going to be here, giving it my best.

Torrance praises team spirit

"To be able to make a putt in the singles when it mattered meant more to me than anything you can imagine," said the Welshman.

"I feel like I made a contribution when it was possible that I wouldn't before the week came along."

The effort of the four rookies to gain at least something from their singles matches was what the team expected of them, said Brookline veteran Padraig Harrington.

"Every player on the team trusted their ability. We were confident with those guys at the end of the field today.

"We were sure they would get the points if needed."