Paul McGinley’s moment of glory in the Ryder Cup could be worth millions to European golf – and charity.

That win at the Belfry raised the profile of the European Tour and gave it more power to negotiate bigger TV contracts and sponsorships.

No wonder then that McGinley’s ball was christened the ‘Million Dollar Ball’ by the players who look set to rake in the money in the shape of endorsements.

But the ball that McGinley used to hole that 10-foot putt could also be worth a fortune for charity.

The original costs just €4 but McGinley’s Ryder Cup special has been mounted by Dublin jeweller Ray Roche and incorporated into a spectacular trophy in solid silver and maple wood.

It was presented to European skipper Sam Torrance on behalf of the team at last night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

"It's the least we can do,” said McGinley. “I'd love to keep it myself, but I think he is deserving of it.

"It is just a little 'thank you' from the players back to Sam. I'm sure he'll cherish it."

But golf fans from all over the world could get the chance to snap up special replicas and help raise thousands for charity.

Mounted on four solid silver ingots on a base of maple wood, the names of the Ryder Cup team members are engraved on three solid silver plaques around the base.

The ball – a Titleist Pro V1 with McGinley’s tricolour markings – is perched proudly on a solid silver tee and protected by plate glass.

The magnificent memento will sit on Torrance’s mantelpiece but a limited edition could raise thousands for charity.

The details have yet to be ironed out but both men are keen to do something special.

Roche, 41, has been a friend of McGinley’s for over 20 years and has watched his career closely since the Ryder Cup star was a promising juvenile at Grange golf club in Dublin.

“I’ve known Paul since his early teens and I’m godfather to his son Killian,” he revealed. “I suppose I was the obvious choice to do something special with the ball. We go back a long way. I’ve seen him go from youths to professional golf and I was his guest at the Masters earlier this year.”

After the Ryder Cup, McGinley spoke to other members of the European team about presenting the ball to wily Scot Torrance.

“I had the ball hidden in one of Paul’s old golf gloves up in the attic. Paul and after about eight weeks I came up with a design that is contemporary.

“Paul and I thought it would be a nice idea to do a limited edition of this in aid of charity.”

Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin would be a favoured beneficiary for Roche, whose daughter spent three years in treatment there.

However, nothing will be decided until after the World Cup in Mexico at least.

“It’s a place that’s close to me,” explained Roche. “And Paul has been a close friend for many years and of course he gave the family tremendous support during that time.”

McGinley flew out to Mexico at the weekend to prepare for the EMC2 sponsored World Cup where he will partner Padraig Harrington for the sixth time.

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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