Colin Montgomerie has a fever, and the only prescription is to once again be captain of the European Ryder Cup team.
The 49-year-old Scot told the Scotsman newspaper he has thrown his name in the running to lead the European side at Gleneagles in Scotland in 2014.
“If the European Tour wants me to be captain I will be," Montgomerie said. "The players’ committee will decide."
About 15-20 players comprise the committee, which makes a recommendation for the captaincy to European Tour chief executive George O'Grady. O'Grady rubber-stamps the nomination.
Montgomerie would like to follow in the footsteps of Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher, who led the European team on multiple occasions in somewhat recent memory.
“This year was as easy as it could possibly be," he said. "Jose Maria Olazabal is two years younger than me and the transition was seamless. 2014 is more of an issue and there are a number of candidates – (Darren) Clarke, (Thomas) Bjorn and (once-frontrunner Paul) McGinley, three of my vice-captains for a start, and then me."
In truth, Montgomerie was supposed to be captain for this Ryder Cup team heading to Medinah, or penciled in for 2014. Jose Maria Olazabal, two years younger than Monty, was originally to lead the charge at Celtic Manor. For various reasons, including optimism about his playing career and fears about his arthritic condition, Olazabal apparently didn't want the job at that time.
In lieu of a repeat run by Ian Woosnam or a first-timer in Sandy Lyle, the players propped up Monty.
Clarke loathes Gleneagles. McGinley would be trumped by Monty. Bjorn may not be ready to step into the role. Monty may be in luck this time around, too.
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