Monty excited by Pod and Westy
Colin Montgomerie is delighted with the form of Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington.
Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood might have been Europe’s greatest worries a week ago, but it was a different story when official Ryder Cup practice began at Celtic Manor.
According to captain Colin Montgomerie – and perhaps he is not the most impartial observer – the two biggest stars in his side are already turning on the style.
Harrington was, of course, the most hotly-debated wildcard pick, earning the vote over world number seven Paul Casey despite failing to win a game in his last two Ryder Cup events.
“There are reasons why Padraig Harrington was picked and judge me about that selection on October 4 and not on September 26,” said a defiant Montgomerie, who with Harrington beat Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the opening tussle of the 2004 contest in Detroit.
“I feel the criticism was very unjustified to be honest. I know what Padraig Harrington can do and that’s why he was picked.
“He’s had three eagles already. He’s playing the best golf of my team.
“He’s a world player, he’s won three major championships and the stature of the guy is second to none within our team.
“I met him when he came in on Sunday evening (following a 64 in Paris). He walked into the Celtic Manor as if he was a rookie – fantastic – and was really up about the whole thing and has been since!”
Westwood, at third in the world Europe’s top-ranked player and most experienced Ryder Cup campaigner with six caps, has not played a tournament since August 6 because of a torn calf muscle.
For all the Worksop golfer’s confident words as he started playing again last week, Celtic Manor has some serious slopes to test out his fitness.
Montgomerie admitted he was very eager to see how he went and commented: “For him to start off so confidently with three birdies in the first four holes … I know it means very little on Tuesday, but it’s always good for one’s self-esteem to start off that way.
“He’s not played in six or seven weeks and he starts ripping the ball like he is, so I’m very excited for Lee Westwood this week.”
Latest
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy soars to lead on third day of Ohio Memorial
The Northern Irishman finished tied with two other players on six under par.
-
European TourDavid Law tames the Green Monster course to move into contention in Hamburg
The Scot fired an eagle and eight birdies in a seven-under-par 66, a nine-shot improvement on his opening 75.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy bounces back to form in the Memorial Tournament
At four under par McIlroy was three shots off the early clubhouse lead.
-
PGA TourMatt Wallace one stroke behind lead after first day of PGA Memorial in Ohio
Matt Wallace and Danny Willett are sitting second and equal-third respectively after the first day of the Memorial.
-
Ryder CupI don’t think LIV golfers should be on European Ryder Cup team – Rory McIlroy
American players remain eligible despite being banned or resigning from the PGA Tour in the wake of joining the Saudi-funded circuit.
-
European TourBrendan Lawlor and Kim Moore excited for next week’s Scandinavian Mixed event
The pair won the men’s and women’s titles at the G4D Open at Woburn earlier this month.
-
PGA TourEmiliano Grillo claims second PGA tour title in Texas
It was Emiliano Grillo’s first PGA Tour win in over seven years.
-
NewsPablo Larrazabal to follow Miguel Angel Jimenez after KLM Open win in forties
Larrazabal celebrated the milestone by winning his ninth DP World Tour title and second in just four weeks.
-
NewsHarry Hall bounces back from double blow to keep share of lead
Cornish rookie heads into final round tied at the top with American Adam Schenk.
-
PGA TourHarry Hall opens three-stroke halfway lead at Charles Schwab Challenge
The Cornish rookie is chasing his first PGA Tour win after opening round of 62.