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Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie answers your questions on the day he quashes any retirement rumours.

Montgomerie gave an inspired performance in the Ryder Cup, winning four-and-a-half points out of a possible five to propel Europe to a 15½-12½ win over the USA.

Monty quashes retirement rumours

Monty was recently quoted as saying he would like to go for one more big European Tour event before calling time on his playing career - but he told Sport Online he may have a few years in him yet.

Read Monty's answers below.

Gavin Denham, England

You have undoubtedly been one of the greatest servants to our game for years now. Your performances in Ryder Cups over the years have been an inspiration to us all.

Of all the Cups you've played in, which has been the most memorable, and who has been your favourite playing partner?

My favourite playing partner is an easy one - it's Bernhard Langer. I'm very quick while he's very slow. As a result, he tends to slow me down, and makes me play better. I respect him and he respects me.

As far as the Ryder Cup goes, they all have memories for me, so I don't think one is any more special than the other. Even the losses have provided some memorable experiences.

This year must have been pretty special though.

Obviously this one was, because it was at home and we won, but so was Valderrama and so was Oak Hills. I can't really say that any one was more special than the other.

Dave, UK

What do you think of Hal Sutton's election as captain of the USA Ryder Cup team for 2004? Who would you like to see captaining the Europeans?

Hal Sutton was the obvious choice. He's a very tough individual, and a very hard competitor. I'm sure he'll take on the responsibility of trying to bring the Ryder Cup back to America.

You've said that Ian Woosnam would be a good choice for European captain. Do you think Nick Faldo would be a suitable vice-captain?

I don't know. Nick wants to try and make the team, and if he does that he obviously won't be eligible for vice-captain. But if Ian Woosnam or Bernhard Langer receives the captaincy I'm sure they'd like someone of Nick Faldo's experience behind them.

You're quite close to Nick Faldo's record of Ryder Cup wins now. Is that a motivation for you, and what would it mean if you were to surpass it?

That's not a goal or an issue of mine and it never has been. I play in the Ryder Cup to represent a team and it's a team effort. My individual points total in the Ryder Cup means nothing to me - I'm really not interested in that.

Simon Edmonds, UK

Your demeanour during the Ryder Cup was incredibly relaxed. Do you feel less pressure when playing in a team environment and thus less hard on yourself than you would be in a stroke play event?

Yes, I think so. I'm fortunate to have 11 great players beside me, and I think that takes the pressure off us all. No one individual can single-handedly win or lose the Ryder, so that takes the pressure off.

Do you think your performances at the Belfry will change the attitude of the American fans towards you?

Possibly. I had more respect after Brookline in 1999, and a little more still after this time. So hopefully the fan situation in America will now be a thing of the past.

European players have struggled to win Majors recently. Do you think there's a reason for that?

Three out the four Majors are in America, and it's always difficult for us to go over there week in week out and try and beat their top players in Majors. Also, a certain Tiger Woods has entered the Majors these days, making them more difficult to win!

Is there anyone you would pick out as the next European Major winner?

If I had to pick out someone who has the talent I would say Darren Clarke. Of the new Ryder Cup breed, Nicholas Fasth is probably best suited at the moment to win a Major.

There are a few talented players coming through from Europe now. Have any of those particularly impressed you?

I would expect Justin Rose to be in the team at the next Ryder Cup, and he would be a great asset for us. There a few other English stars - Steven Webster, Ian Poulter and Gary Evans are proving themselves. So we have quite a good young crop of English players especially.

Do you think we could see a period of European domination?

I think we all hope so. There seem to be greater rewards available, and the Europeans are practising harder than ever. So let's build on this Ryder Cup success, go on in 2004 and win again.

Andrew Jervis, Isle Of Man

What do you think has been the major factor or influence in your life and career to get you where you are today?

At the start of my career I would have to say my father was the biggest influence, and since I got married in 1990 it's obviously been my wife.

Mike Thomas, England

I am always impressed by your full follow-through. Did you model yourself on anyone in particular?

No. It's a very natural follow-through and very unique and I'm the only one who seems to have it. I'm quite confident where the ball's going to go so my follow-through is quite high and quite long.

It seems to attract a lot of interest from people, but it hasn't been modelled on anyone.

Brendan Doyle, Ireland

How much of a difference has the "belly putter" made to you this year?

A huge difference. I'm now able to accelerate through the ball on the greens and at the Ryder Cup, under pressure, I holed a number of putts. Obviously it worked well.

Mark, 16, Salisbury

Could you give your top three tips to any young golfer who is just starting out in the game?

First, get an education! Second, be patient - there's plenty of time to think about professional sport. And third, don't grip the club too tightly - most people do and it causes all sorts of problems.

Steve, 14, Ipswich

My putting is all over the place - what are the three most important things to remember to improve my putting technique?

Keep the entire body still and just move the shoulders. Watch the front of the golf ball and not the back of it. And don't look at the putter head.

Nick Cantwell, UK

What would you say has been the best round of your career? Not necessarily in terms of a low score, but the round which gave you most pleasure.

My 65 on the first day of the 1997 US Open at Congressional. Five-under par was not on in practice but I managed to do it and I was proud of that.