Monty tipped for Ryder Cup wild card

COLIN MONTGOMERIE turned down the chance to be fitted for his Ryder Cup uniform a fortnight ago - but will gladly accept a wild card on to the European team if he needs one.

Montgomerie has set himself the target of winning two of his next four events, starting with this week's Scandinavian Masters, to qualify for the team automatically.

But the 41-year-old will view it as a compliment rather than a sign of his fading powers if he has to rely on a wild card from captain and former team-mate Bernhard Langer to make the team which will defend the trophy at Oakland Hills in September.

The Scot currently stands out of the automatic reckoning, 19th on the world points list and 21st on the European points list.

Sweden's Jesper Parnevik summed up the thoughts of most players when he stated recently there was actually only one wild card available, Montgomerie's name long since pencilled in for the other.

"If I was captain I'd want my top 10 to qualify to leave me two choices. I've got to win two of the next four tournaments I'm playing in - this week, the USPGA, NEC and BMW International - to qualify automatically. I'm playing okay, I've got my game back in shape. Loch Lomond and the Open were mental strengtheners for me and got me back on track.

"I've done a lot in this game but to actually be picked for a Ryder Cup team would mean a helluva lot to me actually. Out of the six times I've played I've qualified first three times, never mind the top 10. To be selected means almost more. 'This guy is good enough to help my team, I know he hasn't qualified and he's not even 11th.' It's nice to be in that position and feel that support from my peers."

Support was also the key word for Montgomerie when reflecting on his performance in the Open at his home course of Troon, where he was in contention until a final day 76.

Montgomerie is part of a strong field competing for the £176,000 first prize.