With several qualifying events having been played, Colin Montgomerie’s likely team for this year’s Ryder Cup match is slowly beginning to piece together. Although there is a lot of golf still to be played some players have mounted a strong early challenge for inclusion in the team to take on the United States at The Celtic Manor resort, Wales in October.
So, if Colin Montgomerie were to name his side today, who would feature in the team? Well, one can only guess at the three wild-cards Monty can choose, but from the rankings it appears a pretty strong team on paper.
Montgomerie’s team will consist of the top four Europeans on the world rankings, with a further five players coming from the European Order of Merit. The remaining three spaces will be Montgomerie’s own picks.
There are no real surprises from the world rankings as Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington currently fill these berths; while just below the likes of Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey wait in the wings.
However, both players qualify from the team as it stands through the European Money List alongside Ross McGowan, Simon Dyson and Oliver Wilson.
The current standings see the likes of Sergio Garcia, Alvaro Quiros, Thomas Bjorn, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Henrik Stenson not currently amongst the automatic qualifiers, although any of these players could potentially be captain’s picks.
As said, there is still a lot of golf to be played between now and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, after which Monty will name his team.
But who would be in your team? Put yourself in Monty’s shoes and let us know your Ryder Cup team to take on the United States.
