GOLF:WHEN COLIN Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal met in the final of the British Amateur championship 27 years ago no one could have guessed they were looking at two Ryder Cup captains.
But everything now looks in place for Olazabal – an easy winner at Formby that day – to be named today as the Scot’s successor.
The 44-year-old Spaniard has always been the leading name mentioned for next year’s defence of the trophy in Chicago. Despite his continuing battle with rheumatism, Olazabal’s character, record and standing in the game all point to him being an outstanding leader of the side.
Winner of seven caps as a player, Olazabal made his debut at Muirfield Village in 1987 alongside Seve Ballesteros. They won their first three games as Europe triumphed on American soil for the first time.
His last appearance was at the K Club five years ago – he won all his three games there – but after that he served as Nick Faldo’s assistant in Louisville and then joined Montgomerie’s backroom team at Celtic Manor last October.
That he is taking part in the circuit’s Middle East swing shows he is intent on a bigger involvement this season. That was almost a requirement for him to take over from Montgomerie.
