Butch Harmon questions Montgomerie Ryder Cup captaincy

Butch Harmon has questioned whether Colin Montgomerie is the right man to lead Europe in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Harmon, one of the game’s leading coaches, believes that Montgomerie and Europe’s other captaincy contender, Jose Maria Olazabal, both have realistic playing chances.

“I was very surprised that Colin Montgomerie wanted to be captain because I think Olazabal and Monty could still make the team,” said Harmon, speaking in Dubai where he was unveiling The Butch Harmon School of Golf.

“I thought going to Wales, Woosy (Ian Woosnam) would be the perfect one to be captain of the Ryder Cup team, he’s the natural fit. That allows Montgomerie and Olazabal, if they were captain, a chance to make the team.

“I don’t think that you can do both. I don’t think that you can be captain and play like you could in the old days. I think the job is too big for that.”

Harmon also took a swipe at last year’s captain Nick Faldo, stating: "I think it’s important in a team room to have camaraderie with the players. I’m not sure if Faldo had that last time. I think that Monty will have a better chance at that.”

Where next? Tour news: TaylorMade R9 driver powers Pat Perez to victory Equipment news: Cobra S9-1 driver and fairway woods Blog: Robert Karlsson - What's in the bag? Industry news: English Open postponed until 2011 Golf Monthly Forum: More say on the Ryder Cup captain debate