Monty gets the call for Ryder Captain

One of the greatest players in Ryder Cup history will now get a chance of directing the affairs of the European Team as Colin Montgomery has been selected as Captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

"It's not just an honor but a huge responsibility as well," Montgomerie said after being chosen. "It is important we do everything we can to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010."

Montgomerie is Europe's second most successful Ryder Cup player behind Nick Faldo with 20 wins, nine losses and seven halves for 23 1/2 points. Despite the event being held in Wales, the home country of Ian Woosnam, Montgomerie got the nod for 2010.

"It became very obvious in the discussions in Abu Dhabi that we wanted the right man for 2010 and as that meeting progressed Colin's name came more and more into the frame," said Thomas Bjorn, chairman of the Ryder Cup committee. "We thought about naming two captains, but we felt that we should concentrate on one captain at a time."

Other candidates included Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal and Scotland's Sandy Lyle. Corey Pavin had previously been named captain of the U.S. Team.

Montgomerie has played on eight Ryder Cup teams, winning five times. He was left off the team that lost to the United States last year at Valhalla.

Montgomerie made his Ryder Cup debut in 1991, and has played alongside greats such as Faldo and Seve Ballesteros.

"I dreamed this opportunity might come my way, but far-off dreams I must admit," Montgomerie said. "We speak here 17, 18 years later and here it is."

That's not to say Montgomerie hasn't had continued aspirations to play in the event. At 45, Montgomerie may still have a few opportunities ahead of him.

"It just seems the time is right for me to take the helm here and be captain," he said. "I will not in any way, shape or form come close to qualifying for the team."

As for the 2012 Ryder Cup, Montgomerie is already hoping he will have a chance to play again. "I don't believe I cannot compete in 2012. But we're concentrating today on 2010 and that's where we are."