The Belfry, without a significant golf tournament for the past two years, yesterday welcomed the European Tour back through its gates with the British Masters moving less than ten miles from the Forest of Arden to its new home.

New venue, new sponsors but some familiar faces, not least Paul McGinley, the diminutive Irishman who made the 18th green of The Brabazon his own when he sank the winning putt that gave Europe victory by 151/2-121/2 over the United States in 2002.

Yesterday, McGinley stood and surveyed the small patch of green that he once - briefly but splendidly - ruled supreme and declared himself glad to be back.

Four years ago, he helped the European team to glory and yesterday, on a cold but sunny afternoon, his thoughts turned again to the Ryder Cup. Despite having won his first European Tour event for some time with the Volvo Masters at Valderrama last October, his raison d'etre this year is again the Ryder Cup.

The British Masters, which has been dressed by numerous sponsors in its 60-year history, will be but a stepping stone toward achieving a place in Ian Woosnam's team for the K Club in Ireland come September. He said: "My main focus is to cement my Cup spot. I'm 90 per cent there but the job's not done and it's important to get that polished off and put away.

"Both times I've made the team, I've had to do it at the end. Last time, I played ten events in a row to make it, so it would be nice to avoid that."

He is keen to play the Americans in his homeland - it is the first time the biennial tournament will have been played out over an Irish course - and this year he wants to have secured his place early.

Then he might be able to concentrate on winning for himself.

He relishes playing the team game. The golf is different and it is being part of a team that can be so inspirational.

While at The Belfry yesterday, he revisited the very room where Sam Torrance, European captain in 2002, delivered his monumental speeches during team meetings.

Colin Montgomerie, another Ryder Cup hero, also figures large in McGinley's recollection of that balmy September evening.

 "This brings back lots of memories in itself," said McGinley. "I learnt a lot of things about life in this room, and there was a lot said that had a profound effect on me.

"I grew up a lot listening to the guys speak... guys like Monty. What Monty says in a team room is different to what he might say to you. When he is part of a team he lets his guard down to try and win the Ryder Cup. I like that."

It is difficult for any player with aspirations of making the final 12 for the K Club not to put the Ryder Cup - still nine months away - out of their minds.

Harder still for those almost certain to be included. But McGinley insists whoever is in the team will have a tough time.

"We [Europe] are strong at the moment.

"But the Americans have got the best player in the world [Tiger Woods] and they are probably going to have the second best player in the world in [Phil] Mickelson so they will be tough to beat again."

The British Masters, which was due to run for another year at the Forest, will this year be sponsored by Quinn Direct, an Irish insurance company which is also a subsidiary of Quinn Group - the owners of The Belfry.

Hosting a significant European Tour event does not come cheaply and this year's tournament will boast #1.8 million in prize money which Andrew Chandler, whose company International Sports Management are again staging it believes will attract better players and bigger crowds than at The Forest.

"Sponsorship is pretty difficult right now," said Chandler, who also manages McGinley.

"To put on a #1 million tournament would not be that difficult, but #1.8 million is a reflection of Quinn's commitment. I think we will have a pretty good field.

"The Forest of Arden was quite a good venue but The Belfry is definitely more appealing."

While McGinley was thrilled to return to one of his favourite venues, stablemate Darren Clarke might not be so keen.

Twice a winner over The Arden course at The Forest, the Ulsterman, admits he has struggled in the past with the greens at The Brabazon.

"Forest of Arden was great for me," Clarke said. "I couldn't finish outside the top five there no matter how hard I tried!"

Of course, as well as pinching the tournament from their rival neighbours, The Belfry has lured away the Forest of Arden's head greenkeeper Kenny McKay.

Collusion? Perhaps the Brabazon might just suit Clarke after all.