Montgomerie backs Lyle for 2010 captaincy

Eight times European no.1 golfer Colin Montgomerie will give his full backing to fellow Scot Sandy Lyle for Europe's 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy.

Montgomerie, who has ruled himself out of the job in two years' time, told a news conference at the Belfry yesterday that Lyle, the only one of the 'big five' European major champions not to have captained, should "have his turn". Lyle's peers, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo, have all served as captains.

"It would be a shame if Sandy doesn't get the chance," Montgomerie said on the eve of the European Tour's British Masters. "I think it would be only fitting if he does the job at Celtic Manor."

With Europe's players meeting next week at the Dunhill Links Championship to discuss possible captains, Montgomerie will urge them to pledge their support for Lyle.