IT IS little wonder that Colin Montgomerie’s concentration levels suffer now and then, given all the rumours and reports concerning his private life. He was at it again yesterday, when stating Edoardo Molinari would be next in line for a Ryder Cup place should Lee Westwood have to withdraw because of a leg injury.

PAUL McGINLEY admits that the failure of the “Fed-Ex Four” — Pádraig Harrington, Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Justin Rose — to play in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles this week could have a negative effect on Europe’s prospects of regaining the Ryder Cup in October at Celtic Manor.