Monty backs Europe as rankings goldmine

Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup captain says home Tour is stronger than ever

Victorious European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie believes the European Tour is now stronger than the US PGA Tour when it comes to maximising world ranking points.

The world top ten is now dominated by Europeans, with six spots occupied by players from the continent, including the world No.1 Lee Westwood.

And, in a further boost for the European Tour, Westwood, third-ranked Martin Kaymer and 11^th placed Rory McIlroy have all opted to turn down PGA Tour membership in favour of their home tour.

“This is the greatest time we’ve ever had so why the need to go to America?” said Montgomerie, who himself never won a strokeplay title in the US yet won a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles.

“If you’re talking world ranking points that these guys are after, the need doesn’t arise to go to America in the way it was five years ago.

“There are more points available in Europe. World rankings are a very important part of our game; and to think at the Abu Dhabi Championship nine of the top ten in the world are going to play there.”

The 47-year-old was also full of praise for players such as Kaymer, who, at the age of 25, became the youngest European No.1 for 21 years, who have opted against crossing the Atlantic.

“I think it’s super that a number that a number of them haven’t taken membership of the PGA Tour.”

The former European No.1 has also backed Westwood to win the Masters in 2011, quoting his new level of confidence since claiming the No.1 spot from a certain Tiger Woods.

“With Westwood’s success at the Masters this year, I think he’ll win the first major of the year,” said Montgomerie. “Lee has been second or third on a number of occasions now, but I think the fact that the No.1 status has not affected him in any shape or form, in fact, it has just increased his confidence, I feel that will run into a win in the Masters.”

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