Monty supports McIlroy US move
Friday November 13 2009
Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has given Rory McIlroy his full US Tour backing and suggested he will make his European Team debut next year -- whether or not he qualifies automatically for the side.
McIlroy is already riding high in fourth spot on the Ryder Cup points table and looks certain to boost that position next season now that he's taken out US Tour membership.
The 19-year-old Holywood player indicated he intends playing three more regular events in the States than he played this year, but at the expense of just one Race to Dubai tournament. And it's a decision that's won Monty's full support.
The Scot was battling the effects of jet lag following his appearance in last week's Egyptian Open in Cairo and carded a one-under-par 69 on the first day of the UBS Hong Kong Open yesterday.
"It's a good decision on Rory's part and his game seems like it would suit America. Given that he's indicated that he will only play one less tournament in Europe, then it's no big deal," said Monty.
"We're all individuals and we're entitled to do what we want. I feel he could do very well over there. He's still single, and aside from his own family, he has no ties in Europe, so why not?
"He should do what he wants to do and the best of luck to him. And I also don't see the move doing his Ryder Cup chances any harm. It can only help them."
The leading four players off the World Points list and the top five off the European Points list will qualify automatically for Celtic Manor. Monty will then have three wildcard picks to make up his 12-man side.
McIlroy's move to play more in the States from next year will ensure he tees up in bigger world-ranking events in the US, compared to the likes of the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship, Spanish Open, BMW International Open and European Masters, which McIlroy contested this year.
The likes of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Players Championship or Quail Hollow Championship, which he will play for the first time next season, would all have higher world ranking points.
"By competing in those bigger US events, he will have more world ranking points to play for. He will find it a little more difficult to qualify for the team from the Race to Dubai money list, but he would get into the team off the World Points table," said Monty.
"There's the added benefit that he will also become a more mature player because of competing in the United States."
It was then put to Monty that no matter where McIlroy was playing, would he still have to be picked for his European side?
Monty responded: "I am the same as everyone else, and -- taking off my Ryder Cup Captain's cap for a second -- I can't see Rory not becoming a Ryder Cup player. Can you?"
target
In the meantime, McIlroy remains firmly on target to scoop next month's pot of gold at the Dubai World Championship after carding a first round four-under-par 66 in Hong Kong yesterday.
He ended the first day tied with Order of Merit leader Lee Westwood and four strokes behind Thailand's Udorn Duangdecha, who carded an eight-under-par 62.
"I am happy with a 66 because I could have let it get away from me on my back nine when I bogeyed my 14th hole. But it's okay and it puts me in a good position," said McIlroy.
Peter Lawrie moved to five-under twice in his round, before also settling for a four-under opening effort.
Graeme McDowell recorded one bogey and 11 pars in his opening dozen holes, before playing the closing seven in four-under for an eventual three- under-par 67.
"I didn't expect the scoring to be so good and I found the greens quite grainy. It made it difficult to hole some putts," he said. "I struggled a bit on the front half, but managed to get it going over the back nine, so I've hung in there well and I'm happy with a 67."
Darren Clarke shot a one-under 69, while Shane Lowry and Michael Hoey could be heading for early exits after respective rounds of 72 and 73.
UBS Hong Kong Open,
Live, Sky Sports 1, 6.0am (repeat 12.0)
- Bernie McGuire in Hong Kong
Irish Independent
