McGinley hits form at Madrid Masters

Paul McGinley still has one eye on qualifying for the Ryder Cup and he did his chances no harm at the Madrid Masters on Thursday, hitting an impressive six under par 66 to sit one shot off the lead at the end of the first round.

McGinley, 43, is strongly tipped to be one of Colin Montgomerie's vice-captains for this October's Ryder Cup match. But Montgomerie has given McGinley until after the British Open in July before he will approach him to act as an assistant in case he plays his way into the team.

McGinley sank the winning putt to earn Europe the 2002 honours against the US and has been on the victorious side in each of his three Ryder Cups.

A spectacular chip-in for an eagle on a flawless card also containing four birdies, showed McGinley was on his way back after another knee operation last November.

‘I've certainly not discounted playing my way into the team,’ said McGinley who lies a distant 74th on the Ryder Cup standings, around 800,000 points behind the last automatic qualifier which is currently Briton Paul Casey.

Britain's Luke Donald gained quick consolation for missing out on Europe's PGA title last week by firing a seven-under 65 to sit one shot ahead of best of the Irish, McGinley

Donald hit two spectacular eagles to share top spot late in the day with fellow Britons Rhys Davies and Jamie Donaldson.

‘I can't remember when I last made two eagles in one round,’ the delighted world number 13 told reporters. ‘I don't think I've even had one this year on the U.S. Tour.’

A double-bogey on the 71st hole last week at Wentworth scuppered Donald's chances of glory in the PGA event and relegated him to joint second behind Simon Khan.

This time on the 17th he made one of four birdies to go with his eagles after starting his round with a bogey.

‘I was disappointed but it only took 24 hours to get over last week,’ added Donald. ‘I don't see the value of stewing over it, just move on.’

Davies and Donaldson, both Welshmen, took advantage of benign morning conditions to set the target.

Davies claimed his maiden title this year with victory in the Hassan Trophy in Morocco but Donaldson has yet to better two second places in a 10-year career.

World number 11 Martin Kaymer's indifferent spell continued, a 71 leaving him six adrift of the lead. Former world number two Sergio Garcia could only manage a 72.

Graeme McDowell also impressed in the Spanish capital firing a four under 67, while Damien McGrane and Shane Lowry are a shot back on three under.

Peter Lawrie is one under for the day, while Gary Murphy is one over and Simon Thornton had a disappointing round finishing on five over.