• Ryder Cup

Lyle backs Monty to reclaim Ryder Cup captaincy

ESPN staff
March 22, 2011
Sandy Lyle was assistant captain when Europe won the Ryder Cup in 2006 © Getty Images
Enlarge

Two-time major champion Sandy Lyle has tipped Colin Montgomerie to be reinstated as European captain when the Ryder Cup returns to the UK in three years' time.

Montgomerie claimed he would "never" captain Europe again after leading them to victory at Celtic Manor in October, but with the 2014 edition taking place at Gleneagles, Lyle believes the Scot could be tempted to resume the role.

Jose Maria Olazabal was named as Montgomerie's replacement to lead Europe as they bid to defend the trophy at Medinah in September 2012, but Lyle believes Montgomerie's local knowledge makes him the leading candidate to captain the team in 2014.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Colin gets invited back," Lyle told Reuters. "He knows the course, the surrounding area, what's needed there and what's not needed.

"I think he would be the man to choose unless someone like Darren Clarke or Paul McGinley feels he is next in line. Several years will have passed by then, a lot of water will have passed under the bridge since Monty took charge in Wales and he may have a change of heart.

"He may feel that is a moment in his life when he can still do the Ryder Cup. If he's not doing that well with his own golf game he might feel he would like to be captain again. I would not put it pass the European Tour to invite him again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices