GOLF/Dutch Open: Paul McGinley produced something special on the 18th green in the Dutch Open first round yesterday, just as he did to seal Europe's 2002 Ryder Cup victory.
McGinley entered the history books with his 10-foot winning putt at The Belfry two years ago, and the Dubliner's 25-foot eagle putt at Hilversum increased his chances of a place in Europe's team for next month's match against the US.
A five-under-par 65 left McGinley two strokes off the lead held by Britain's David Lynn and a shot adrift of another Briton, Andrew Raitt.
McGinley's sizzling finish boosted his chances in what he called the "melting pot" of Europe's Ryder Cup situation, with four events to count before selection of the automatic top 10 players and two wild cards at the BMW International on August 29th.
Lying 16th in the combined Ryder Cup table, McGinley knows he has a tough task to retain his place in the side.
"It shows what a difference one hole can make," he said. "I have to go some. I have to sprint. I'm not going to make the team by playing solid for the next four weeks. But it's fun being in the melting-pot."
McGinley's finale ensured he led the four players bidding to improve their Ryder Cup bids, with Ian Poulter of England, ninth in the Cup table, lagging two behind his playing partner following a 67.
Poulter was satisfied with his performance.
"I even laughed at my bogeys," he said. "I'm doing what my manager advised me to, and that's conserve my energy and do just what I need to do this week to get everything done and dusted."
Another Englishman, David Howell, holds the best place in the table, eighth, and his four birdies over the last six holes for a 70 rescued his round.
Next best of the Irish was Howell's playing partner, Graeme McDowell, who is also chasing Ryder Cup points, who bogeyed the last for a 69.
Damien McGrane signed for a level par 70, Gary Murphy was a shot further back and Peter Lawrie slipped to a disappointing 73.
Lynn attributed the lowest round of his professional career to his success on the greens. Lynn started superbly with birdies on the first three holes, including a 20-foot putt on the second and 30-foot effort on the third.
He made another birdie on the seventh and, after dropping a shot at the 11th, bounced back immediately by hitting a three-iron to 25 feet and sinking the putt for an eagle three on the 486-yard 12th.
Two more birdies came at the 15th and 18th to leave the Stoke golfer one ahead of Raitt, who eagled the par-four second by holing a 134-yard nine-iron shot.
However, straight after his round the Surrey golfer confirmed he will quit the sport for good at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old is struggling to compete after a dog bit off part of his little finger in 1995, affecting not only his grip and swing but costing him around £400,000 in legal costs.
New Zealander Stephen Scahill, who began with five successive birdies, Australian Richard Green and Austrian Martin Wiegele were all with McGinley on five under.
Lynn admitted he's been working on his putting and that time on the practice green paid off today.
"The putter came out hot to start with," he said after taking just 24 putts in his first round. "My game has been feeling really good the last few months but my putting has not been great but it has been a bit of a reversal today.
"I was working on my putting on Tuesday and my putting has dropped in and is feeling really nice, but my game does not feel as in control as it has been."
Lynn is 25th on the Ryder Cup European points list and would generously be described as a long shot for the team - something he readily admits himself.
"People have asked me and I've said I would have to win three (tournaments). Stranger things have happened," he added.
"If I won this one and was to lead the BMW International (in Germany in two weeks) going into the final round I might have a thought or two."
In contrast, a downbeat Raitt admitted: "I just don't like playing golf any more."
