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20/1/10

Ryder Cup News - Message from Colin Montgomerie

So, here we are - the start of Ryder Cup year. I'd like to start by wishing you all a very happy and prosperous 2010. While most of you might have been recently thinking about your resolutions for the next 12 months, I don't think I have to spell out mine!

It was nine years ago that The Celtic Manor Resort was named as host venue for The 2010 Ryder Cup but now just nine short months remain until we get under way in Wales. The Christmas period gave us all a nice family break but now 2010 is upon us it is very much back to business for all concerned and for me it's back to focusing on my aim for this year - regaining The Ryder Cup.

While I now have three Captain's picks, I have said before that I do not want to use them on people who should be there in the first place so it is important for potential Team members to make a strong start to the New Year. Already in the new season we have seen splendid victories from two rising stars in Pablo Martin and Richie Ramsay, in addition to a marvellous World Cup win from the Molinari brothers, and I firmly expect the wealth of exciting young talent we have in European golf to push hard for a place in my Team. The same goes for the Ryder Cup veterans who will need to stake their claim.

Congratulations must go to one such player, Lee Westwood, for his stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship and the inaugural Race to Dubai. Lee has been a wonderful Ryder Cup player over the years and his battle with Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher and Paul Casey in 2009 emphasised the high standard I have at my disposal.

It is crucial that I have the right blend of practised experience and talented youth in my Team and I'm delighted to see players at both ends of that particular spectrum performing so well.

I attended the BBC Sports Personality of the Year programme, where Seve Ballesteros received his Lifetime Achievement Award. It was an honour for me to say a few words in recognition of a true Ryder Cup legend and I am sure that Seve will prove an inspiration to the 2010 generation.

While there is much still to be decided ahead of The Ryder Cup, I know that time will fly by until we officially assemble at The Celtic Manor and hopefully in nine months time the dreams we all have now will be realised. Until next time I hope you enjoy the forthcoming tournaments on The European Tour and I hope that 2010 is a wonderful year for us all.

Colin Montgomerie

European Ryder Cup Captain

To book your ticket to the 2010 Ryder Cup visit our Celtic Manor 2010 site www.2010celticmanor.co.uk