Monty: Pavin surprised me

Home

Colin Montgomerie has expressed his surprise that Corey Pavin has opted to blood four rookies in the opening fourballs.

Colin Montgomerie has expressed his surprise that United States captain Corey Pavin has opted to blood four rookies on the opening morning of the Ryder Cup.

Monty has given first starts to Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy but each has been given solid partner in Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell.

By contrast, Pavin has left only one rookie on the bench in Rickie Fowler while pitting newcomers Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton against Cup veterans Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald.

And Montgomerie spoke for many people when he suggested that Europe are favourites to come out on top after the morning session.

“The way the pairings have come out I’m very excited about the morning fourball play,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get the thing started.

“It’s very important to get the momentum and win that first series and take on that momentum into the afternoon and to dinner on Friday night.

“It’s so important to get the momentum and get the crowd – I know they’re behind us, my god they’re behind us – but to get them even more so and keep them there.

“My applause when I got up to speak were emotional and my first few words were difficult to get out.

“I am surprised. Two rookies out in the final match – it’s been done before I suppose, but I’m surprised at that and I’m sure Luke and Padraig weren’t expecting to play the two that they are.

“Who knows. All 12 players, we know they’re all good, we know they’re very good, but that was a surprise and will be talked about.”

Home

Latest