Ryder Cup wild card hope for Colin Montgomerie

Colin Montgomerie said if he does not qualify automatically for September's Ryder Cup, it would be almost a greater honour to him to be chosen as a wild card by European captain Bernhard Langer.

Montgomerie is 21st on the European Ryder Cup table, with the top-10 being included in the team in five weeks' time after the BMW International.

Even if he won this week's Scandinavian Masters he would still not be lifted inside the top 10. He will play only four of the next qualifying events, missing next week's Dutch Open, so the door is gradually closing on automatic qualification.

"It would mean almost more to me than qualifying," said Montgomerie. "I've never needed a pick because I've qualified in the top five every time in my six times (in Europe's Ryder Cup team).

"From what I've heard I've got the support of the players, yourselves (the press) and the public; I've had letters, e-mails and hits on the website.

"The only one I've not heard from is the guy that counts! I don't expect to. He knows what I can do. If he decides on someone else, then that's his choice, his prerogative."

Montgomerie still hopes to make it by right, however, and is optimistic about his chances of lifting a fourth Scandinavian Masters title, especially having won two of them at this week's hosting course.

"I've got my game back in shape. Loch Lomond (Scottish Open) and the Open were mental strengtheners," added Montgomerie, revealing he had turned down the chance to be fitted for his Ryder Cup clothing when asked at Royal Troon.

"I told them there's still plenty of time for that."

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