Captain Montgomerie happy with team shape

Apr 1, 2010, 17:18 GMT

London - With six months to go to the Ryder Cup the European captain Colin Montgomerie has said that he is delighted the way his potential team is taking shape.

The biennial competition sees the best American golfers take on their European counterpart over three days and this years' tournament takes place in Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Golfers are invited to participate in the match based on points secured over the season.

Montgomerie has played in eight Ryder Cup matches himself and is the third-highest European points scorer behind Nick Faldo and former European captain Bernhard Langer.

He said that he could not believe how rapidly the event is approaching.

'When I was appointed Captain in Dubai last January there was around 16 months to gonow we are down to just six,' he said.

'You can feel the excitement building as each week goes by and I am at the stage now where I can't wait for it all to being in earnest.

'As far as my team is concerned - although I appreciate there is still a fair way to go in the qualification process - I have to say I'm delighted with the way things are progressing.

'Everyone knows any Ryder Cup team has to possess a crucial blend of practiced experience and talented youth and we have both of those elements near the top of the rankings at the moment.'

He said the standards amongst golfers was rising due to increased competition for a place on the team. 'All the guys who are currently in the automatic qualification spots and those just on the fringes are battling week after week to prove how much they want to play in the Ryder Cup.

'By their good play and each wanting to outdo each other's achievements, they are actually bringing out the best in each other and, as captain, that is exactly what I want to see.'

Organizers, meanwhile, said that tickets for the competition, which is always over-subscribed, can be applied for on the official website, www.rydercup.com/tickets.

Tickets for the three practise days are available immediately.