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Captain Montgomerie happy to shoulder responsibility

Colin Montgomerie wants to see the good times return for British sport © Getty Images

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Colin Montgomerie is ready to "fight for the cause of the European Tour" when his team attempt to wrestle back the Ryder Cup from USA in October.

The European team head to Celtic Manor hoping to regain the trophy they lost at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008 and their captain, Montgomerie, is relishing the responsibility of trying to lift a recession-hit nation.

"A huge responsibility falls on my shoulders," he said in the Daily Telegraph. "Sponsorship is difficult, and companies are struggling as never before. Personally, the Ryder Cup has meant nothing to me, but as a team it has meant everything. I'm fighting for the cause of the European Tour more than at any time in living memory."

Indeed the poor ticket sales for this year's event in Wales highlight the current economic downturn, with many corporate companies unwilling to fork out on luxury days for executives and clients.

Following the atrocities of September 11, 2001, the Ryder Cup was cancelled and when it recommenced at The Belfry in 2002 it did so at a price. From 2002 onwards the bi-annual event has been staged in even-numbered years and therefore shares its billing alongside World Cups, Olympic Games and European football Championships.

After a largely disappointing summer for British sport - which has included England's dismal World Cup campaign in South Africa and Andy Murray's heartbreaking loss to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals at Wimbledon - 'Monty' is keen to bring the feel-good factor back to Britain.

"We had excitement over the England World Cup campaign, and over Murray reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon. Unfortunately, neither took that forward to win. But with a great British contingent playing in Britain, the Ryder Cup could finish off the summer in style," he said.

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