Paul McGinley for 200 steps project

Canali 200 STEPS
Paul McGinley

Paul Mcginley, a world-renowned golfer and captain of the 2014 Ryder Cup European Team,
reveals his style and the secrets behind his success.

PAUL MC GINLEY

Paul McGinley, the Captain of the 2014 European Ryder Cup Team, has enjoyed a long and successful career on the fairways of the world, achieving his place in golfing folklore by holing the 10 foot putt that secured victory for the European Team at The Belfry on his Ryder Cup Debut in 2002. He also went on to represent Europe in 2004 and 2006, making him the first European player to be on the winning side in every one of his three Ryder Cup appearances.

McGinley’s phenomenal success at the Ryder Cup can be attributed to many factors, the foremost of which is his innate ability to function as part of a team. 'Some psychologists might analyse it and link it up to my childhood growing up playing Gaelic football, hurling and soccer,' he says. 'I can relate very much to the dressing room and get a big buzz standing shoulder to shoulder with teammates with that shared sense of responsibility and the shared aim of achieving a common goal.'

But equally important is his process of mental preparation, which enables him to achieve the focus and zen-like calm he needs to make the crucial shot under intense pressure.

'Everybody who plays top-level sport, whether it’s golf or football, or whatever, needs to get into ‘The Zone’… For me personally, on the morning of a round, preparation is always about getting into the zone. The less I communicate with other people, the better. I’m trying to rehearse in my mind what I am working on in my game: going through my swing keys, going through my putting keys. When I get to the course I get the pin positions for the day and I’ll analyze those. I’ll make a strategy for the golf course and look how I’m going to play it'

In his 200 Steps interview, McGinley expands upon this aspect of his game, demonstrating his innate understanding of the psychological nuances of Golf. It’s this sensitivity that gives McGinley an edge where many other equally talented players may have fallen by the wayside.

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