Open results leave Europe confident of Ryder Cup success
As Colin Montgomerie walked off the 18th green to rapturous applause on Sunday’s final round of the Open Championship at St Andrews, that kind of strange yet loveable, gum-filled, ‘Monty’ smile fell across his face.
The crowd rose, not for his personal performance, he finished a disappointing tied 68th, but this was a collective feeling of optimism and excitement within the local ranks, as they gave him, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, an un-official send-off for this year’s battle against the old enemy which is set to start in two month’s time.
As Monty tipped his hat to the crowd, the gums became more apparent as he took a glance at the famous St Andrews leaderboard, top heavy with European players.
There were top-15 finishes for Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer and Alvaro Quiros, all of whom you could guarantee any American wouldn’t fancy their chances against considering current form. Their lacklustre showing at St Andrews provides the perfect example, with Sean O'Hair and Nick Watney topping the American bill finishing tied for seventh.
Current world No.1, Tiger Woods, who once again looked uncomfortable with his game, finished tied for 23rd, while Phil Mickleson (2nd in the world), Steve Stricker (4th) and Jim Furyk (5th) all finished the week over par, at least 16 shots off the eventual winner, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen.
Montgomerie, who has named Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as his Ryder Cup vice-captains today, was obviously delighted with the outcome of the tournament regarding the build up to Celtic Manor.
"Things couldn't be going much better really when you look at the leaderboard with Casey and Westwood and Kaymer and Stenson. They are all up there doing you proud," he told the BBC.
"We've had our first British winner of the US Open for 40 years [Graeme McDowell], Lee Westwood almost won the Masters, we're contending here again and who says we won't do so again at the US PGA in a month's time. Justin Rose winning twice in America.
"It's been a fabulous year for British golf. Amazing standard of golf with British players battling against each other."
Confidence seems to be high within the players’ ranks too, Ian Poulter, who did have a disappointing Open Championship, was one of the stars for Europe in 2008 when they were defeated in Kentucky and he has begun the mind-games ahead of Celtic Manor.
"They're not going to be happy, are they?" Poulter told the BBC.
"If you look at the winners on their tour over the last few weeks, four out of five have been European and Justin should have won the other one.
"Our guys are going over there and winning week in, week out. It's great. I love it. It really fires things up for the Ryder Cup - even more passion will be spilt out over Celtic Manor. I can't wait."
Neither can the rest of Europe, Ian. Across the pond however, they may be preparing for the worst.
May the Monty smile continue to beam.
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