Colin Montgomerie makes early call on Ryder pairings
Colin Montgomerie has already chosen the pairings for the four-ball matches that will kick-start the Ryder Cup next week at Celtic Manor.
Speaking on the eve of the Vivendi Cup, the European Ryder Cup captain admitted he had already decided on the partnerships that will initiate Europe's bid to recapture the famous trophy from the USA.
And Montgomerie was in loquacious mood, also revealing that he intends to use every one of his 12-strong team on the opening day of the tournament next Friday.
The Scot has been tasked with restoring pride to Europe, after the team's last bid to win the cup fizzled out at Valhalla two years ago under the captaincy of Nick Faldo. And while Montgomerie's counterpart Corey Pavin has publicly admitted his team are the "underdogs" this time, Monty appears sure of his team - and himself.
"I know who is going to be on that first tee on Friday morning barring, of course, accidents or illness," the 47-year-old announced, adding: "I'm looking for momentum from the first pairing and from the first morning onwards. I'm looking for a win in the session."
The captain also pledged to be transparent with his players, emphasising the point that: "this is not a dictatorship," and added: "I would like to start off with a win in the series of matches. If we can win that first series of matches, that gets us off to a great start, we’ll have momentum. The crowd then get going and we have a lively afternoon in foursomes, which is the most difficult form of golf."
And Montgomerie was adamant that it was imperative to let his players know they would be playing a role on the very first day. "So barring accidents, illness mishaps or whatever all 12 players will play the first day. It's important to let them know earlier than not. There's no point in me keeping secrets. I am going against the form of telling the team two hours beforehand whether they are in or not. This way, they can prepare accordingly."
No captain has ever publicly announced his plans for pairings at such an early stage, though vice-captain Paul McGinley revealed that previous winning captains Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam had both used the same strategy, albeit privately, telling all 12 players they would be in action on the opening day for the morning four-balls and afternoon foursomes.
This week's Vivendi Cup is the last chance for Ryder players to warm up in a professional tournament before next week's biennial tournament begins, but only Padraig Harrington will be taking part, after Peter Hanson pulled out of the tournament because of illness.
The Swede is suffering from a head cold, chest infection and a fever, though he is expected to have recovered in time to compete in Wales next week. Another convalescent, Lee Westwood, says he is in fine fettle for next week's tournament, having been out since October.
Monty's willingness to outline at least part of his strategy a week before the Cup tees off is a bold move that speaks of confidence - but may also have been calculated to get under Pavin's skin, just a little.
Your move, Corey.
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