Montgomerie named European Ryder Cup captain

2009-01-29

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Ticker)—Colin Montgomerie has been appointed captain of the 2010 European Ryder Cup team.

Wednesday’s announcement in Dubai may mean the 45-year-old Montgomerie has played in his last Ryder Cup.

The Scot, so often an inspiration on the course at previous Ryder Cups, will switch to a leadership role after fending off a list of candidates that including Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle.

“This is one of the proudest moments I can think of,” Montgomerie said. “I am very proud and honored to be selected by the committee to be the 2010 Ryder Cup captain. It’s not just an honor, but a huge responsibility as well.”

Montgomerie was quick to dismiss the idea of being a playing captain at Celtic Manor next year, but did not rule out returning to the links for the 2012 edition of the event.

The five-time Ryder Cup winner only emerged as a frontrunner two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi after previously indicating he wanted to return to the team next year to win a ninth cap, and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to take up the captaincy.

Lyle and former skipper Ian Woosnam had also been touted as potential leaders of the European team, however they appeared to drop out of contention earlier this month, leaving the European Tour’s tournament committee with what appeared to be a choice between Montgomerie and Olazabal.

Former European captains Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance had both backed Montgomerie - five times a major championship runner-up but never a winner - to take charge for next year’s match in Wales.

European players and tournament committee chairman Thomas Bjorn also encouraged Montgomerie to consider the post.

“I’ve been listening and taking heed of what they’ve been saying,” Montgomerie said. “It just seems the time is right for me to take the helm here and be captain.”

Montgomerie has won 23.5 points in Ryder Cup player, just 1.5 points behind the record held by Nick Faldo who was last year’s captain when Europe was resoundingly beaten by the United States at Valhalla.

“It is important we do everything we can to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010,” said Montgomerie, who who confirmed that Olazabal will assist him in Wales.

In December, Corey Pavin was appointed as captain of the United States for the 2010 match, succeeding Paul Azinger.