Newz Forum: GOLF: Colin Montgomerie out of Captaincy role

Colin Montgomerie has decided to withdraw his name from the list of candidates to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain.

On the day he received the Professional Golfers' Association Recognition Award for his services to the sport, Montgomerie stated that his focus now is on re-igniting a career that has this year seen him fall from 41st to 80th in the world.

Highlight of the season was, of course, sinking the winning putt at Oakland Hills in September and in the immediate aftermath of that record-breaking victory the 41-year-old Scot wondered if the time had come to stand for the captaincy.

He has been persuaded otherwise, however.

"I've been told I'm too young," said Montgomerie, and when asked who had told him that he replied: "Everybody. And after hearing it I possibly have to agree.

"I think I can play in Ireland and possibly the next couple. My current world ranking is ridiculous and I want to get back in the top 25 next year. I know I can, in fact I know I am a top 10 player really."

The European tour's tournament committee, of which Montgomerie is a member, is expected to discuss the captaincy next Monday and will first of all have to decide whether they want to ask Bernhard Langer to stay in charge.

Sportinglife