Early call for Olazabal

Jose Maria Olazabal, favourite to become Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain, joined Colin Montgomerie’s backroom team at Celtic Manor today.

And there was a job for him to do straightaway. Because of the change of format after yesterday’s long rain delay there were six foursomes to monitor instead of the standard four.

Montgomerie originally wanted the Spanish star alongside him, but Olazabal has played only one tournament all year because of his continuing battle with rheumatism.

The Scot went for Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Sergio Garcia instead, but now the experience at his disposal was even greater.

Olazabal served as vice-captain to Nick Faldo two years ago and Montgomerie said: “It’s fantastic to have Olazabal on call here now.”