Monty: Europe won’t lack passion

Colin Montgomerie has vowed to reinvigorate Europe’s Ryder Cup team after a limp showing under Sir Nick Faldo two years ago.
Captain Colin Montgomerie has vowed to reinvigorate Europe’s Ryder Cup team after a limp showing under Sir Nick Faldo two years ago.
Europe’s run of three successive victories in the event came crashing to a halt when they were beaten 16.5-11.5 by Paul Azinger’s team at Valhalla last time out.
But Montgomerie has pledged it will be a different story when this year’s competition tees off on October 1.
He told the Daily Express: “Last time around there did not seem to be the passion. Who can say why? But I can guarantee there will be passion this time.
“I’ve got Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and Sergio Garcia as my vice-captains and there is some passion there for you – they all live for this European Tour.
“I will assemble everyone at Celtic Manor in the team room on Monday night and there will be so much passion in that team room that everyone will leave shaking. I can assure you everyone will go to bed that night thinking ‘My God!”‘
Spanish veteran Jose Maria Olazabal could yet be added to that backroom staff on a guest basis, with Montgomerie revealing the players “still talk about” his stirring speech before the final-day singles in Kentucky.
But the captain has also called for leadership on the course, with Ireland’s three-time major winner Padraig Harrington to the fore as Europe seek somebody to take on the figurehead role which was once Montgomerie’s preserve.
“People have been looking to Padraig as the leader in what was my position on the golf course,” said the latter. “This time I think we will see Padraig step forward.
“He has been given this wildcard choice and one of the reasons we did this was to make sure he did step up to the plate and to give him that vote of confidence to say: ‘Right, this is your time mate. You come forward and lead this team on the course’.
“I am looking to him and Lee Westwood to do this. Westwood has played in six Ryder Cups and Padraig has played in five, so I think it’s time they both stepped up to the plate.”
Latest
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.