That's Our Monty! He's Open To '14 Ryder Captaincy Redux

It was only a matter of time--in this case just days away from the big committee gathering--that Colin Montgomerie would offer himself up for the 2014 Ryder Cup captaincy and well, it's all Darren Clarke's fault that Monty is "flattered really that my name's been put in the frame."

Mark Garrod reports:

"I've always said that we need the best man for the job, whoever that is," winning 2010 captain Montgomerie said in Durban, where he is part of the 33-strong field for the Volvo Champions tournament starting tomorrow.

"And if we're going for the best man for the job then that doesn't say you shouldn't do it again.

Well, maybe he was thinking of Tony Jacklin? No?

"I thought it was between Darren and Paul until Darren said something, then my name was mentioned.

"I've never canvassed, as I didn't last time. I've not spoken to anybody about this. But I've always felt that if I was asked I would do it and that's still the case."

And here I was praising Monty for taking himself out of the equation less than a month ago.

Mercifully, he's just one of 15 votes and since he's not doing any canvassing, then we have to take him on his word that he's not undermining the campaigns of McGinley or Clarke.

Comments

[nguyenvuminh]

Geoff, you're obsession with Monty is baffling. He said he'd be open if asked. What's wrong with that? Tom Watson was asked to repeat, what's wrong with that? If not wrong with Watson, then what's wrong with Monty being a repeat. Having said that, I do agree with you about he should not lobby for the position or undermine other candidates.

[Doctor]

@nguyenvuminh: He's obnoxious and adheres to the "self as center of the universe" philosophy. I question how great a captain he really was: his team won in spite of him. The best choice, if they dare go with a repeater, is Jacklin by far. He would offset Watson beautifully...he would convince the Euros they are underdogs....also he's broke, has little to do and would be extremely committed. His players would very much fall in line.

[DTF]

Heck, if he wants the job I hope he lobby's like a a son-of-a-gun!

[Stord]

No surprise that Monty goes silent whenever they are picking the captain for the matches played in the US...

Still it means we get his delightful quotes every 4 years.

[chico]

Monty has done his bit as a player and captain.Time to move on...

[Press Agent]

@ Doctor: "He's obnoxious and adheres to the "self as center of the universe"
Prove it. - actually the rest of your post is garbage as well, don't bother proving anything.
Just because you don't like him doesn't make anything you say about him true.

I do agree it's time to move on chico, but not for Monty, for this site and those who comment here saying the same thing everything time another Monty bit is posted.

[DTF]

Bravo Press Agent! I can think of another player for which your "same thing every time" observation applies ;o)

Interesting position there chico. I'm not really so hung up on Monty specifically getting the job but I find it laughable the perfectly qualified candidates are expected to "step aside" for some unknown reason.

Personally I think Monty is the best candidate for 2014 but there is a bear case -- I can envision a scenario where some players who are in McGinley's corner may feel like if he doesn't get his turn in 2014 he never will, and in turn might end up resenting Monty which could hurt team unity. But heck, said players might not much care for Monty already so maybe that's not a factor! That make any sense?

[No Longer Used to be Former Stack & Tilt Convert]

chico- DTF beat me to the point. Nobody told John Wooden to step aside after his success as a player (3 time all-american plus National Champ winner) and his success as a coach (not enough room). It really should be his decision. Just think it Wooden has said "hey I have coached 3 Championship teams, don't want to try for a 4th, it may ruin my legacy.

[mcgravyboat]

The Ryder Cup obviously means more to the Europeans than the Yanks. But it means more to Monty than anyone. All that disappointment in the majors (his massive choke on the last at Winged Foot comes to mind) have forced him to put special emphasis on his fabulous Ryder Cup career. He must think that one more win as Captain will cause people to overlook what could have been. But it doesn't work that way in golf. However unfairly, history celebrates the individual champion. In time, Monty will become a footnote.

[Press Agent]

@ DTF, I believe you are referring to el Tigre, and if so - yes, agreed and point taken.

@mcgravyboat: and your point is?

[chico]

I am a great fan of Monty the player but I feel that he tends to overshadow the team and make the captains role seem far more important than it is.I'm sure that living 10 mins from the course he is actually desperate to Captain it (hell-I live 20 mins away and I'm desperate to ref it!!) but I would rather see a new captain and lets concentrate on the golf and leave the Monty record/legacy intact.

[BrianS]

Just my opinion, but I think Captains (for both sides) should get appointed for a 4 year "term", to include both Home/Away Cups. If that serves to reduce the # of guys that ultimately get the job, so be it. It also takes away at least to some extent the lobbying if they get (in their one and only chance) the more favorable "home" draw.

[Ghillie]

Granted, the only US wins since the turn of the century have been on "favourable" home soil, but it didn't do Sutton or Love any good. It all comes down to the week in play.