"Money will always trump the view of the captain" - McGinley on potential Ryder Cup behind closed doors

Paul McGinley welcomes the proposed return of professional golf in June with the prospect of a Ryder Cup behind closed doors a potential advantage for European skipper Pádraig Harrington.

Writing for SkySports.com, the Dubliner pointed out that golf needs TV money to survive and playing with no fans is better than no golf at all.

He wrote: “The professional golf authorities need the TV revenue, particularly the PGA of America who are the organisers for both the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. To have either, or both, of those events cancelled would be devastating from a financial perspective.

“If the Ryder Cup does get the green light to go ahead behind closed doors, that would be a massive advantage for Europe and enhances Padraig Harrington's chances of bringing the trophy back home.”

While US skipper Steve Stricker might prefer to wait until he can call on the raucous US fans for support, McGinley knows it’s not the Wisconsin native who will have the last say.

“Money will always trump the view of the captain,” he wrote. “Yes, the contest will lose a significant amount in ticket sales and merchandise, but the television rights money will be invaluable for the long term. Any income is better than zero.”