Monty backs Woosie to make Cup history

Colin Montgomerie believes Ian Woosnam is well-equipped to be a successful Ryder Cup captain when Europe defend the title at the K Club in Ireland in September.

Having seen skipper Bernhard Langer guide Europe to victory in America two years ago, the 42-year-old Scot insists Woosnam has similar attributes to do the job.

“Woosie and Bernhard are very different characters, almost the exact opposites,” said Montgomerie.

“But at the same time they both have one particular asset and that is they are both huge competitors.

“I know how much Bernhard hates to lose, and there is no more feisty competitor than Ian Woosnam. He will bring that into the team room and I’m sure we will do well.

“He is going to be very competitive. He will bring his own role to it.

“He has a great desire to win, especially as he has history pending, with Europe going for their first-ever third straight win.

“There is a lot riding on it, but Woosie’s greatest strength will be the strength of his 12 players.

“And I believe this is potentially Europe’s strongest team. It was forming after 2004 when there were no weaknesses in the singles and I believe that will be the same this time.”

Montgomerie has hinted he might be in the market to follow in the footsteps of Woosnam and Nick Faldo (2008) and captain Europe at the 2010 tournament in Celtic Manor.

“If I’m not playing in 2010, all I can say is that I would like to help the Europeans win the Ryder Cup in some way. Whatever position that may be,” he said.

“If I’m asked by the captain to help in any way, or if I’m captain myself, I’d love to be able to help.

“I’ve done it on the course, but I would like to help off the course. All I can say at this stage is that I’d like to be involved in some way.”

Montgomerie yesterday confirmed his entry in the Welsh Open, to be staged at the Celtic Manor in June, along with defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, US Open champion Michael Campbell and Faldo.