Harrington: Montgomerie won’t lead Europe again
The players committee will meet during the January 17-20 Abu Dhabi Championship to decide on the successor to Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabal at the biennial team event, with Ireland’s Darren Clarke Paul McGinley the frontrunners.
Clarke, however, said last month that he believes Europe should appoint a leader with a “huge presence” suggesting 2010 skipper Montgomerie should be considered.
“There’s not a chance, after what he went through last time, that Colin would ever take the captaincy again,” Harrington said yesterday.
The United States, desperate to halt a run of seven defeats in nine editions, appointed eight-times major champion Tom Watson as captain last month.
“That was a big statement and brilliant for the event,” said Clarke. “There are few more iconic figures in golf...and it sends out a statement they are serious about winning the trophy back.
“Maybe we have to consider other people. Whoever it is standing on that stage opposite Tom Watson needs a huge presence.”
But Harrington said half of Montgomerie’s career would go out of the window if he lost as skipper.
Harrington wants McGinley to take over as skipper at Gleneagles in Scotland next year before handing over to Clarke for the 2016 version in the United States.
“Everybody’s talking about it on the European Tour,” said Harrington. “I think Darren would be a better captain in America because of his stature over there. McGinley would be a better option to go up against Watson. ”
