Paul McGinley boosts Ryder Cup hopes

Paul McGinley produced something special on the 18th green in the Dutch Open first round on Thursday, 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 Irishman's 25-foot eagle putt at Hilversum increased his chances of a place in Europe's team for next month's match against the U.S.

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 29.

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 Britain, 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 Briton, 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.

Howell's playing partner, Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell, bogeyed the last for a 69.

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