McGinley says visitors 'may well nick a win'

The victorious 2014 captain is now Donald's strategic adviser and believes Europe's preparation has been optimal

- Ewan Murray Bethpage Black

It started with some stern words.

The US team trounced Europe 19-9 at Whistling Straits four years ago. Paul McGinley found himself under scrutiny as part of a European Ryder Cup committee that also includes Damon Buffini, Richard Scudamore and Ian Ritchie.

"The narrative was that this was a tired European team and there were no players coming through the ranks to change things against young, dynamic Americans who have figured out how to win Ryder Cups," McGinley says.

"People said they were going to win the next 10. It's fair to say I got a bit of a talking to from that committee about taking a more active role in overseeing what we were doing."

McGinley was involved when the trophy was reclaimed by Europe in Rome. Soon, his position was formalised to strategic adviser to Luke Donald.

This was a smart appointment; McGinley has forgotten more about the Ryder Cup than most will ever know. At Bethpage, he will be on the sidelines but will provide an important sounding board as Donald and his players try to break the mould with a win on the road.