Golf
Monty names Ryder Cup team
2010-08-29 20:41
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Gleneagles - Europe's captain Colin Montgomerie named Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald and Edoardo Molinari on Sunday as his three wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup against the US in October.
Molinari got the nod after his blistering finish at Gleneagles where he captured the Johnnie Walker Championship by one stroke, less than 90 minutes before the wildcards were due to be announced.
"In my time as a player on the European Tour I don't think I've seen a finish of that quality under that pressure ever," Montgomerie told a news conference after Molinari birdied the last three holes.
"That's the kind of player we need to regain the Ryder Cup."
Edoardo and automatic selection Francesco Molinari, who joined forces to win the 2009 World Cup for Italy, will be the first brothers to play in the same Ryder Cup team.
Montgomerie's decision means there is no room in his side for the likes of Justin Rose - who was surprisingly overlooked after winning two US PGA Tour events earlier this season - Paul Casey, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Alvaro Quiros or Sergio Garcia.
Garcia's consolation was being named as Montgomerie's fourth vice captain on Sunday, joining Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn.
"I feel sorry for Paul Casey and Justin Rose," added Montgomerie.
"The standard of European golf has been second to none this year. These are the 12 players we feel very happy with."
Harrington, Donald and Edoardo Molinari join automatic choices Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Ross Fisher, Francesco Molinari, Peter Hanson and Miguel Angel Jimenez in Europe's team.
Montgomerie's Europe take on Corey Pavin's US holders at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales from October 1-3.
Full European team:
Lee Westwood (England)
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland )
Martin Kaymer (Germany)
Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland)
Ian Poulter (England)
Ross Fisher (England)
Francesco Molinari (Italy)
Peter Hanson (Sweden)
Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain)
Luke Donald (England)
Padraig Harrington (Ireland)
Edoardo Molinari (Italy).
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