colin montgomery On this day in 2009 was appointed captain of the 2010 Europe Ryder Cup team.
The then 45-year-old made eight appearances in the competition, making his debut in 1991.
He was unbeaten in singles competition throughout his time playing in the Ryder Cup, and his total of 23½ points (20–9–7) ranks fourth on Europe’s all-time list. Sergio Garcia (25½), Sir nick faldo (25) and bernhard langer (24).
On his appointment in 2009, Montgomery said: “It’s obviously one of my proudest moments.
“It seems like the right time for me to take charge here and become the captain.
“Losing the last Ryder Cup is a big responsibility.
“It is important that we do everything we can to claim the Ryder Cup in 2010.”
Montgomery selected Garcia, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, José María Olazabal and Thomas Bjorn as his vice-captains and confirmed that he would not play during his time as captain.
A young Rory McIlroy made his Ryder Cup debut under Montgomery, while Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Martin Kemmer, Peter Hanson and Ross Fischer also performed.
The United States side was captained by Corey Pavin and included the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Stewart Sink and Zach Johnson, who were all major champions. Future Masters champions Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson were also named.
Europe led 9½–6½ into the final singles session, which was delayed until Monday due to heavy rain on the opening day at Celtic Manor.
Team USA bounced back on the final day, but Graeme McDowell came out on top against Hunter Mahan to seal victory for the Europeans on the 17th green.
Montgomery led Europe to a 14½–13½ victory, their sixth in eight starts and their fourth straight on home soil.