DUBAI // Colin Montgomerie marched proudly into the Emirates Golf Club to be introduced as Europe's next Ryder Cup captain. And he revealed that Jose Maria Olazabal, who was predicted to be named as his successor for the 2012 match against the United States, would be one of his assistants. Olazabal had been the overwhelming favourite for the job of trying to win back the cup at Celtic Manor next year and would have been appointed in Abu Dhabi a fortnight ago had he reacted decisively to overtures by members of the European Tour's players' committee. When the Spaniard failed to confirm his availability, Thomas Bjorn and his committee sought alternatives and, as Bjorn reported last night, the name of Monty was the unanimous selection. Bjorn, in expressing his delight that "the right man" had got the job, said no assurances had been given about 2012, although he declared that Olazabal had all the credentials to make a future captain. Montgomerie, who earlier this month expressed a burning desire to be captain in 2014 in his home country of Scotland when the biennial match takes place at Gleneagles, spoke of the "great honour" that has now come his way. An inspirational driving force as a player in eight Ryder Cups - he is unbeaten in singles - he now intends putting his transatlantic fighting qualities on the line to outwit his American counterpart Corey Pavin. "I'm not just honoured and proud," said Montgomerie, 45. "I also feel a great sense of responsibility. Having lost the last Ryder Cup match at Valhalla after holding it for so long, it is important that we do everything we can to get it back. I can promise you that I will be doing everything I can." Montgomerie emphasised that he will be a non-playing captain at Celtic Manor no matter how many qualifying points he accrues on tour and that he would abide by any decision taken by the Ryder Cup committee on the thorny issue of his wild card selections. wjohnson@thenational.ae
