Montgomerie predicts Ryder Cup swansong

European captain Monty admits this ‘Cup could be his last

Just days before leading the European side into Ryder Cup battle with the USA, Colin Montgomerie admitted captaincy could be his last involvement in the event.

Despite signalling intentions to resume a serious playing career once his duties as skipper are fulfilled, the Scot conceded he may fail to regain the form needed to earn a place in the 12-man team for future matches.

“I stood on that first tee and had a thought to myself, ‘Would I ever do this again?'” Montgomerie told BBC Radio Five Live.

“I do hope it’s given me incentive to do that – it’s been almost half my life that I’ve been involved in this competition – but I think possibly those days are behind me.

“I’d like to think not and I would love to play again, but you’ve got to be realistic. I will be trying for 2012, but the competition now has got so good. There are 12 much better players that can do a job for Europe than I can.

“It’s getting more and more difficult and there’s never been a European captain who’s got back into the team. I’ve got to get my game back in shape. It’s taken a back seat the last two years. I’ve had one eye on the players and one on myself and I need both on myself.”

Although Montgomerie has eight appearances and an unbeaten singles record under his belt, the former world No.2 has failed to score a top ten in over two years and currently sits at 422nd in the world rankings.

Meanwhile, Montgomerie also told the radio show that, if given the choice of adding any members of the American side to his team, he wouldn’t pick Tiger Woods because of his current form.

“Someone like a Jim Furyk or a Steve Stricker,” he responded when questioned. “They may not be household names but are very steady.

“It’s interesting that I didn’t mention Tiger. Tiger hasn’t been himself on or off the course and it’s a matter of seeing what he does.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered