Monty Endorses Ollie!**

From the BBC, courtesy of reader DGS:

Colin Montgomerie has tipped Jose Maria Olazabal to succeed him as European team captain after standing down in the wake of his side's Ryder Cup victory.

"I hope Jose Maria will be well enough to be the next captain," said the Scot.

Olazabal, who had wanted the job for the 2010 event, confirmed his acute rheumatism would be the only thing to prevent him accepting the captaincy.

The United States will attempt to avenge their 14½-13½ defeat at Celtic Manor in Medinah, Chicago in 2012.

"It was between him and me for the captaincy this time and in two years' time he'll be 46, just a year younger than I am now," said Montgomerie.

Update on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 09:36 AM by Geoff

**The Daily Mail has a longer piece with images, including video of Monty talking to the camera, standing in a shopping center with the Ryder Cup.

This image was lacking a caption though...

Comments

[mark]

I've never won a major, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[thusgone]

i look forward to not reading his inevitable book.

[d.b.cooper]

Any guesses on the U.S. captain at Medinah?

DL3?

How about Larry Nelson? He could have younger guys as vice-captains.

[Ky Laffoon's Ghost]

@dbc: Until the PGA of America rectifies their dissing of Larry Nelson (2 PGA + 1 US Open, plus he won't have to bring in an outside speaker like the good Major) their mojo will remain in abeyance. It won't happen.

@thusgone: I wouldn't even pick that book off the remainder table. Is Zinger's there yet, btw?

[Tighthead]

I would like to see Arnie as the Captain. I think he would keep the team loose, and bring a relaxed dignity to the whole affair. Arnie doesn't take anything too seriously, but is by and large a gentelman. He would set a nice tone.

[Old Hornet]

Mine are made of brass too.....and about the same size.

[smails]

why did larry N get dissed?

[Taylor Anderson]

The list should start and end with Fred Couples.

[jason]

"Just looking for any news on that pesky injunction of mine," quipped Montgomerie.

[fatgoalie]

Larry Nelson ++++
I find it embarrassing that the PGA has not named him a captain.
PGA, US Open, and Ryder Cup Giant killer.
A really good guy, and a great story (late to the game)
He also served in the military, played a pretty high level in baseball (I believe), which would make
him pretty credible in "team" aspects.
Maybe the military service scares off some?
This guy should be light years ahead of DL3, Freddy, O'neara.
The "current" guy thing seems a bit sketchy anyway? Euros have won how many of the last 8?

[Al]

have to still be in touch with the players -- larry nelson has no chance now - although agree should have been considered

think davis love is pretty much a shoe-in for the job

olazabal will get the european job -- he's well-known in US -- and respected by players. then mcginley or clarke for the next one.

[Ky Laffoon's Ghost]

IIRC the PTB in the PGA of America thought that Larry Nelson was too far removed from the players and would not be able to "relate" to them. Which is complete, absolute, and total horsesh*t. 3 Majors on the shelf says pretty much everything a Ryder Cup team member needs, or more importantly, wants, to hear. Besides, here's something from the interwebs: "Larry Nelson is the only golfer to post a 5-0 record in a single Ryder Cup where five matches is the maximum, doing so in 1979. He paired with Lanny Wadkins to win four team matches, then defeated Seve Ballesteros in singles." Moreover, in three Ryder Cups his record is 9-3-1.

As one of us pointed out recently, instead of Larry Nelson we have had Hal Sutton, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Kite, and Tom Lehman (and Corey, lest we forget so soon). Neglecting the two US Amateur Championships, these excellent golfers have 5 Major Championships among them. Or two more than Larry Nelson has, all by his own self. DLIII is a great player and a nice guy. He can relate to the "players." But so could the aforementioned fivesome, which did a lot of good. Oh, wait...

[d.b.cooper]

I'd offer it to Nelson in a NY second, but I will be pleasantly surprised if the PGA moves in that direction.

My guess is Love.

Couples probably wants to concentrate in the Senior tour for the next two years.

[Mark Holthoff]

"Cracking toast, Gromit!"