Colin Montgomerie fears the Tiger Woods factor at Hazeltine

Colin Montgomerie has joined the debate over the Tiger Woods factor at next week’s Ryder Cup with the former European captain believing the 14-time major champion will be most intimidating to Darren Clarke’s rookies at Hazeltine.

Clarke will lead a 12-man team containing six rookies to Minnesota on Monday aiming to upset the odds against a short-priced United States team and win the cup for the fourth time in succession.

Yet the presence of Woods, set to return to competitive golf next month after a year sidelined by back injuries, as one of US captain Davis Love’s vice captains adds an intriguing element to the home team room.