Colin Montgomerie has been named Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the upcoming tournament at Celtic Manor in 2010.
Montgomerie beat off competition from the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle to take the captaincy.
The Scot missed out on playing in last years Ryder Cup in Valhalla, as Captain Nick Faldo decided against naming him as one of his two captains picks, a decision that was seen intrinsic to the American's regaining the trophy.
Of course we will never know whether Montgomerie's role would have been better suited to playing after Europe missed him so very much last Autumn.
But we all know Montgomerie's pedigree and passion for the Ryder Cup.
His inept showing at Major Championships is combated by his amazing display at Ryder Cups where he has never lost a singles match in eight attempts.
He also lie's second in the all time points scorers list for Europe, behind former skipper Faldo.
However we all know how players with huge quality on the course, don't always transfer to the captaincy position, as Faldo showed last year.
Although he talked a good game up to, during and after the tournament he lacked the knowledge to turn things around when things weren't going his way, something he rarely had to do as a player.
Montgomerie's success as a team player will help him in this respect, and as a well loved member of the team he will be welcomed with open arms.
Another factor that could work in Monty's favor would be the change to the selection process.
Last year Paul Azinger had the choice of four captain's picks, instead of the traditional two, something that Montgomerie has stated he wants to change himself.
The Scot is a hugely popular choice within the world of golf, and is sure to catch the imagination of the European team.
He has 18 months to form a team to regain the Ryder Cup, a period of time that could define Montgomerie as one of the legends of golf.
Being Cheeky
12 years ago
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