Colin Montgomery

A rare sight was seen in the golfing world this week when Colin Montgomery’s normally sullen features had given way to a very, very broad smile. Defying all expectation, the studiously dissatisfied Scot has been given the captaincy of the European team for the next Ryder Cup. Jose Maria Olazabel had been the leading contender, but concerns over his long term health prospects have apparently adjourned the likelihood of his ascendency until 2012.

Golf betting enthusiasts, currently focused on the Dubai Desert Classic and the fortunes of the young Rory McIlroy, viewed by Mark O’Meara as ‘better than Tiger Woods at his age of 19′, will be relishing the appointment of Montgomery whose tetchy relationship with US fans and some of the their players should add a little extra spice to an already tense competition.

Nicknamed Mrs Doubtfire by American fans, Colin Montgomery has been forced into a thick skin in his dealings with the abuse received during US tour competitions. It’s hard enough to play golf in completely tranquil surroundings but any player that can endure calls of, ‘nice pair of tits you’ve got there, Monty’, and still calmly strike a shot 250 yards into the centre of the green, must be deserving of our utmost respect. With the selection of Colin Montgomery as team captain in the 2010 Ryder Cup, the Americans my come to regret the absolute commitment to win that they have induced in this formidable opponent with their ignorant abuse over the past few years.