Irish Golf Desk

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McGinley gets green light for Ryder chase

Knee victim Paul McGinley has been given the green light to embark on what would amount to a miracle Ryder Cup comeback.

The Dubliner, 43, hoped to hit the fairways running last month after undergoing a horror sixth operation on his crocked left knee nearly four months ago.

But after fearing the worst when he failed to make a quick recovery, he’s set to return in next month’s Hassan II Golf Trophy in Morocco thanks to some magic from Padraig Harrington’s physio Dr Liam Hennessy.

Relieved by the turnaround, McGinley said: “I was worried it was taking so long to get over the operation and wondered when I’d get back

“I thought I’d be ready to go in Qatar or Pebble Beach but I just couldn’t hit full shots in practice.

“I went in for more scans on the knee to see how it was progressing and things didn’t looked too bad considering the punishment it’s had for 25 years.

“I finally got in some light practice last week and now I’m over in San Diego and Palm Springs for the next fortnight to try and get some sharpness back and to test equipment at the TaylorMade HQ.

“it’s all thanks to Liam Hennessy, who’s been overseeing my rehab work. He’s fantastic. It’s made all the difference and Morocco is looking good.”

Last season was the worst of McGinley’s 18-year career and he’s now more than 600,000 euro outside the nine automatic places in Colin Montgomerie’s side.

But McGinley is determined to prove he isn’t washed up and still thinks he can earn consideration one of three picks.

Ranked a lowly 247th in the world, he said: “Not being in the majors or World Golf Championships means I’m behind the eight ball. But it can all change so quickly with a win or a few big finishes.”

If he doesn’t qualify, McGinley is certain to be named as one of Montgomerie’s vice captains.