Montgomerie wants form Welshman

Colin Montgomerie has much to ponder before leading Europe in 2010

Captain Colin Montgomerie hopes a Welsh golfer will hit form to claim a place in the European team for next year's Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor, Newport.

"I think it would be a shame to go into a Welsh Ryder Cup without Welsh representation," Montgomerie said.

"They have to show what they're made of, but of course there's a top nine to qualify first off.

"I wish them all every success, it would be great to have somebody Welsh on that team - of course it would."

Montgomerie's team will consist of the leading four players from the world points list, plus the leading five players - not otherwise qualified from the worlds list - from the European points list.

Dredge focused on Ryder Cup drive

Those nine automatic selections will be joined by three captain's picks to complete a 12-man squad.

Bradley Dredge is currently the only Welshman in the automatic places - second in the European points list - although there is a long way to go before the team is finalised at the end of August.

"There's a few [Welsh players], obviously Bradley and Stephen Dodd spring to mind as past World Cup winners, which is a great victory," Montgomerie said.

"But there's a number of others coming through and it all depends.

"He's [Dredge] probably favourite right now, if you like, but if he steps up and improves to that next level of course he has an opportunity of playing and he knows that as well as I do, so I wish him well.

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"You look down the list possibly at the top 12 in the world rankings and that's a pretty strong lot I can assure you.

"That'll change, two or three will drop out and two or three will come in but you look at the top 12 in Europe in the world rankings and that's a fairly strong set-up right now.

"I just look forward to captaining them, it will be a very proud moment - to have that talent in ones hands, if you like, is fantastic."

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The European side begin its task of trying to wrest the Ryder Cup back from the USA at the Celtic Manor on Friday, 1 October 2010, with Montgomerie expecting vociferous home support.

"The Welsh love their golf, very much like the Scots they're patriotic and very proud of their country and they should be.

"I've always had great support when I've come down to Wales and I look forward to having that same support in a year's time."