Monty keeping an eye on Ryder Cup hopefuls

COLIN MONTGOMERIE is eager to get the 2010 Ryder Cup year off to a positive start as he prepares to lead a European team looking to reclaim the Royal Trophy from Asia in Thailand this week.

The Scot is standing in for Seve Ballesteros for the tournament at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, east of Bangkok, with the Spaniard having ruled himself out due to lingering health concerns.

As well as captaining the side, Montgomerie has also handed himself a playing role – a first in the competition’s history – as he looks to cast an eye over possible candidates for his Europe team to face America at Celtic Manor in October.