Colin Montgomerie to quit as Ryder Cup captain
As the dust settles on Europe’s victory over the USA in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, captain fantastic Colin Montgomerie has revealed that he will be stepping down from the role.
The Scot proved to be an inspired selection for this year’s competition, which Europe won 15-13, showing incredible leadership skills along with impeccable tactical decisions that in the end probably proved the difference between the sides.
But in the wake of the historic truimph Monty has decided to step aside.
“I will not be doing this again," Montgomerie told the BBC.
"I think it's only right that it should be shared around. I felt out of control all week as a captain. It is very difficult to play every shot over the radio. I played every shot in every match, that's why this is a one-time hit."
Jose Maria Olazabal, who narrowly missed out on the captaincy for this event, seems to be the obvious choice for 2012 and Monty has tipped the Spaniard to replace him.
"I hope Jose Maria will be well enough to be the next captain," said the Scot.
"It was between him and me for the captaincy this time and in two years' time he'll be 46, just a year younger than I am now."
This would seem to be the end of Monty’s relationship with the Ryder Cup that stretches back nearly 15 years, as his performances on the golf course are nowhere near the standard to merit a selection.
It’s hard to envisage Montgomerie again achieving the Ryder Cup heights he has reached over the last week, so bowing out on such a high note makes the decision a correct one.
One of many the defiant Scot has got right during his successful reign.
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