Montgomerie still mad about Harrington, less keen on Twitter
Colin Montgomerie faced the press today at Celtic Manor, and with the Ryder Cup still two-and-a-half days away, the Scot has already felt obliged to defend his somewhat controversial wildcard pick Padraig Harrington.
"I feel that the criticism was very unjustified of Harrington," said the captain. "I know what he can do and that's why he was picked. He's had three eagles out there already today, he's playing the best golf of anyone out there today, he's a world player."
"He was one shot off third place in Paris this past weekend. I met him Sunday and he walked into Celtic Manor as if he was a rookie, so up about the whole thing."
"You can judge me about that selection on October 4th," Montgomerie finished defiantly.
Elsewhere, Monty's famous irascibility was already on display. So far Monty's exasperation has been played for laughs, but there is nonetheless real needle behind the European captain's annoyed response to continuing questioning on the topic of social networking websites.
Journalists can scarcely be faulted for asking questions when Montgomerie appears to be sending out a confused message, however. Asked to clarify whether or not players had been banned from posting on Twitter, Monty appeared to be on the verge of a splutter.
"I didn't say it was okay to Tweet. Tweeting hasn't been banned. Let's get this cleared up. God almighty, I thought I was captain of a golf team, not a tweeting organisation."
Perhaps Ian Poulter, chief tweeter and past nemesis of Monty's, was responsible for the 47-year-old's agitation - Poulter had been tweeting earlier today about how there hadn't been a ban. Montgomerie again: "Respect is shown in the team room. The ones that use the social websites can do whatever they have to do elsewhere, regarding their thoughts and whatever, but they respect the decision."
In other words, Twitter is not banned, but Monty would nonetheless prefer it if players could keep their thoughts to their selves. We think. No doubt Poulter will post the definitive statement in the next few days.
After that early outburst the Scot reined himself in, returning to the script as he told journos: "The players are enjoying themselves out there, everything's going to plan. The goal is to regain the Ryder Cup."
On today's practice pairings, Monty warned that there wasn't much to be read into them. The pairings in today's practice round were Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy; Edoardo and Francesco Molinari; Peter Hanson and Miguel Angel Jimenez; Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood; Luke Donald and Ross Fisher; Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter.
But according to Monty: "It was just a practice round. You can read more into the pairings possibly tomorrow and Thursday than you can today."
Still, on Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, the captain seemed to all but confirm the Northern Irish pair would play together, commenting: "They're both very confident individuals [when they play together]. They're confident of each other's ability, as much of their own. But they're untried in Ryder Cup play, so let's hope it works out."
Talking of the rookies' possible trepidation, Montgomerie professed himself to be, "Surprised by how relaxed the rookies were, how they felt so much part of the team. I'm encouraged by the way they've enjoyed playing the golf course. They are excited, therefore their captain is excited."
And Montgomerie was also excited about Lee Westwood, saying: "For Lee to start off so confidently with three birdies out of the first four holes is important for his self esteem. He's ripping the ball."
And that was that. As interesting press briefings go, Montgomerie is miles ahead of Pavin right now; the US captain is surely not displeased that so far, Monty is providing all the drama.
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