Everyone starts at zero points in Ryder Cup World Ranking

Montgomerie did not realise the special Ryder Cup World Rankings list for European players only started at last week’s European Masters in Switzerland, meaning everyone starts from zero points – even the likes of current world number nine Padraig Harrington and world number 17 Sergio Garcia.

It means the list is currently jointly headed by Emanuele Canonica, Robert Karlsson and Andrew Coltart after they finished tied fourth in Switzerland, the top three places all taken by non-Europeans.

And in fourth place is Robert Coles courtesy of his victory on the Challenge Tour last week.

“To me it doesn’t seem right that someone winning a Challenge Tour event should earn more points than the person who finishes fourth this week,” said Montgomerie.

The former European number one has long advocated making up the Ryder Cup team with 12 captain’s picks, but Padraig Harrington, a team-mate of Montgomerie at the Belfry last September, strongly disagreed.

“I think the system is good,” said Harrington.

“Everybody should start from scratch and everybody has a fair crack of the whip.

“The Ryder Cup is not an exclusive club.

“It’s there for everybody to play for. It’s not anybody’s right to get into the Ryder Cup team.

“Two picks is enough. If there were 12 there would be no incentive for people to play.

“It would always cause a row and having to qualify shows your true worth.”