Two-time Ryder Cup winner Paul Casey believes Colin Montgomerie's experience as a victorious Seve Trophy captain will prove ideal preparation for Celtic Manor next year.
Casey, who has appeared in the last three Ryder Cups, won the Seve Trophy under Montgomerie on three straight occasions in 2002, 2003 and 2005 and backed the Scot to succeed Nick Faldo prior to yesterday's announcement in Dubai.
And after the 45-year-old five-time Ryder Cup winner was named to lead Europe in Wales, Casey joined the collective backing for Montgomerie to lead the bid to reclaim the coveted trophy.
"I experienced captain Monty before in the Seve Trophy role, which clearly is not the pressure-packed event of the Ryder Cup, but I think it's given people an indication as to what he would be like and he was excellent. He looked after the players brilliantly and the communication was superb," said Casey after an opening round four-under-par 68 at the Dubai Desert Classic today.
"The passion you see Monty put in in a Ryder Cup, he comes alive. I think you're going to see that in how he approaches his captaincy. I think he's going to be fantastic so I can't wait to see how it develops.
"I want to get back on that team and be part of the team that brings the Cup for not only Europe but also Colin."
Montgomerie made the first of eight Ryder Cup appearances in 1991 under Bernard Gallacher and went on to win in 1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006 and has never lost any of the eight singles matches he has played.
Four-time Ryder Cup winner Lee Westwood was also part of Montgomerie's victorious Great Britain & Ireland teams at the Seve Trophy in 2002 and 2003.
"His career is remembered for a fantastic Ryder Cup record and never having lost a singles and having been part of the Ryder Cup team for the last 16-18 years," said Westwood after his opening round 70 today in Dubai.
"He's good in the team room. He pulls everybody together. He's very vocal around the table in the team room and will lead like he's done when he's been a player."
Ryder Cup rookie Justin Rose has also experienced victory under Montgomerie at the 2003 Seve Trophy and is confident he can continue his self-proclaimed Ryder Cup "legacy" next year.
"He's had an incredible career and the Ryder Cup has often brought out the best in him," said the former Order of Merit winner after his 68 today.
"I always knew he would be captain at some stage and why not now. He's certainly in with all the players and his face will still be around a lot so I think he will be really effective in terms of a wildcard situation and the form of the players running into it."
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CLARKE: MONTY IDEAL FOR CUP CAPTAINCY
