Golfing great Colin Montgomerie feels European golf is on the cusp of a special new era as they prepare to wrestle the Ryder Cup back from famous foes America.
The United States will come into the 2018 tournament as defending champions in September for the first time in eight years – having stopped a three tie losing streak at Hazeltine two years ago.
Much of the talk over the past two years has centered on the US being heavily fancied to retain the title in France for the first time in a quarter of a century – since they backed up their 1991 triumph with victory at The Belfry two years later.
Backed by world number one Dustin Johnson, there are eight Americans ranked inside the world’s top-20, five of whom are in the top-10.
But there are nine Europeans in the top-20 and European legend Montgomerie is anticipating a thrilling spectacle in Paris.
“I think we are beginning to see one here (a strong European era),” said the Scot at Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday ahead of appearing at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic – starting on Thursday.
“Thomas Bjorn must be thrilled with the state of European golf right now, as we all are.
“We’re all great fans and love the European game, and I think that he can only be delighted about what’s happening at the weekend there with Sergio (Garcia) winning and Tommy Fleetwood proving himself yet again.
“I just saw Tyrrell Hatton and I believe Paul Casey has rejoined the [European] Tour and you’ve got Jon Rahm, as well. The four guys I mentioned are going to be a real asset to Thomas’ team come September.”
Montgomerie enjoyed a winning stint as European captain, leading the continent to a thrilling 14.5–13.5 victory at the Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010.
He also appeared in eight Ryder Cups as a player, winning five times in the span of six events (1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006).
And while Bjorn will likely lean on the experience of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Garcia, he feels the team will be refreshed by the new, young wave of talent.
“I think that the Americans fancy themselves as they always do, you know, as favourites coming in here with success recently,” said Montgomerie, a winner here in Dubai in 1996 – the seventh staging of the tournament.
“But I tell you what, that will be game on in France. It will be very, very interesting to see how we go there. Those four players I mentioned will really be a huge asset to Thomas, that Darren (Clarke) didn’t have last time.
“These two years is a long time in sport and it’s moved on greatly in those two years. The likes of Fleetwood, Hatton, Jon Rahm, have appeared, really from nowhere on to this world stage. And Paul Casey, thank goodness, has rejoined the Tour because he’s always been a world player.”
