Golf:Graeme McDowell's thrilling US Open victory looks to have nailed down one European Ryder Cup pairing, captain Colin Montgomerie said today. McDowell's success at Pebble Beach on Sunday left him and fellow Ulsterman Rory McIlroy virtual certainties for the Celtic Manor.
The close friends combined superbly to win three matches out of four and help Britain and Ireland beat Europe in last year's Vivendi Trophy match.
"Obviously that's one team sorted and we'll see how that goes," Europe's skipper said on the eve of the BMW International Open in Munich. "Now the others have to follow suit."
While McDowell and McIlroy have virtually cemented their spots, other stalwarts of previous Ryder Cups are still outside the nine qualifying places.
"Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson have all got some work to do," Montgomerie said. "They are the cream and it's time for them to start proving themselves."
All but Harrington of that group play in Munich and the captain has now asked to have only Europeans as playing partners in the build-up to the match. Montgomerie will play the opening two rounds with Casey and 2009 Munich winner Nick Dougherty.
"Playing with non-Europeans wasn't doing me any good as far as potential clients (for the team) is concerned," Montgomerie said.
He is not asking to play with specific players, though, to avoid putting too much pressure on them.
"Paul Casey is experienced enough not to worry about playing with me, anyway," he added.
Montgomerie's qualification for the British Open two weeks ago, when he carded a spectacular 62 at Sunningdale to earn his place at St Andrews, has rekindled his hopes of winning a title before the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
"Shooting a 62 when you know it's required, to make it 21 years in a row at the (British) Open, gives you belief," Montgomerie said. "This week I'm here to win."