Ex-U.S. skipper Strange warns compatriots of McGinley's influence ahead of Ryder Cup

Former United States (U.S.) golf team captain Curtis Strange has warned his compatriots to beware of the influence of European skipper Paul McGinley ahead of next week's Ryder Cup at Scotland's Gleneagles course.

The U.S. is being captained by Tom Watson, who is an eight-time major winner and one of golf's greatest players, this year. Watson is also a revered figure in Scotland, where he won four of his five British Open titles, and will be looking to lead the United States to their first victory on European soil since he was last captain for the biennial team event in 1993.

McGinley has no majors to his name but does have plenty of Ryder Cup experience, which the Irishman will try to draw on as he bids to lead Europe to an eighth Ryder Cup win in 10 editions, Sport24 reported.

Strange, a representative of Ryder Cup worldwide partner Standard Life Investments, said that there is a lot of talk about Watson but do not underestimate McGinley.

Strange said that McGinley is a smart man, he's a competitor and he captained the Seve Trophy twice so he has experience, and he added that the Europe team captain would represent his team very, very well.

The former U.S. skipper knows what it is like to be a Ryder Cup captain accused of a tactical error after spearheading the Americans at the Belfry course in central England in 2002 after the match had been postponed because of the 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

The match was all square at 8-8 on the final day and Strange, concerned the final few matches could be decisive, left his strongest players in Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods at the bottom of his line-up. However, the contest was decided in Europe's favour when McGinley secured a half point against Jim Furyk, the report added.