Ireland's Paul McGinley spelled out his reasons for resigning as Nick Faldo's Ryder Cup vice-captain today after challenging strongly in the Volvo Masters first round at Valderrama.

"I've fallen like a stone in the world rankings and the longer I went on doing it (being vice-captain), it was a drain on my energy," said the Dubliner who carded a two-under 69 to find himself one behind clubhouse leader and fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell (68).
   
Faldo's suggestion that he should visit the 2008 hosting course Valhalla also made McGinley think again about his position, he said.
   
"I was asked to go to Valhalla to see hotels, that would have meant missing two tournaments on tour. I felt I couldn't do that."
   
McGinley has not turned his back on the job completely, though.
   
"I don't feel ready for it yet but never say never," he added. "But up to the 31st of August next year, the door's closed as far as I'm concerned."

McGinley took advantage of an invitation to Valderrama as a past Volvo Masters champion in a bid to rescue a poor season that left him 14 places short of qualifying for the season-closing tournament.
   
He boosted his incoming nine by following a birdie two on the 15th with an eagle two on the 16th for his 69.
   
Earnings this week for past champions do not count on the order of merit but they do offer Ryder Cup points for the 2008 clash at Valhalla so McGinley could be in for a windfall.
   
"I was tottering along and then went 2-2 and all of a sudden it's a brilliant day," said McGinley, who holed out with a nine-iron from 155 yards for his eagle.
   
"It has been a frustrating season, week after week finishing 20th, 30th , 40th," he said.
   
"When I was told past champions would be invited in July I didn't think I'd need the invitation, but as the season went on it was a good job I did get the invite.
   
"Two twos don't make a summer, though," McGinley added.

Meanwhile the race for the order of merit title is anyone's guess at present. With leader Ernie Els competing in Singapore instead of Spain he has allowed second placed Padraig Harrington, England's Justin Rose (third) and Swedish pair Henrik Stenson and Niclas Fasth the chance to overtake him.

Rose is currently faring the best to be two-under after 12 and in a share of second alongside McGinley. Harrington is battling to simply remain at three-over through 12, while Stenson and Fasth are both four-over with four to play.