Montgomerie has stated that he expects candidates for the European team to play Celtic Manor Wales Open next year.  Miguel Angel Jimenez is the only European hopeful who is in the field this week at Celtic Manor.  This comes just a month after Montgomerie stressed the importance of gaining a knowledge of the course prior to the Cup.

“I am sure I will get a number to say ‘yes’ and I would expect those potential Ryder Cup players to be playing.”, Montgomerie said.

Corey Pavin has set forth a similar expectation for the American team members.  Pavin said he wouldn’t require that his team play in the Wales Open, but they should find time to play the course prior to the Ryder Cup match if they don’t.

“It is obviously a little different for us, but what I’m going to do is ask my players who come over for The Open Championship, either before or after, to try to get a couple practice rounds here,” Pavin said. “I certainly would like my potential players to see the course once or twice before Ryder Cup week.”

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Ryder Cup captains have requirements for potentials and team members

Colin Montgomerie will now have 3 captain selections and four players will be taken from a points list based on world rankings.  The European team had only had 2 captain’s picks since 1995.

The European change follows the US teams change last year which gave the US captain 4 picks with the rest coming from a points based system.

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European Ryder Cup team changes selection method

Montgomerie has declined to say exactly what changes he will lobby for, only that he will seek a change to the rules.

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Montgomerie to ask for Ryder Cup qualifying change

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2010 Ryder Cup Tickets

Points are based on the following:

- Prize money earned in the 2009 major championships (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship): One point is awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned in 2010 “Official” events from Jan. 1 through Aug.15: One point is awarded for every $1,000 earned, excluding the major championships, events played opposite major championships and events played opposite World Golf Championships; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned for the 2010 major championships: (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and the PGA Championship). Two points are awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned in 2010 events played opposite the major championships and opposite World Golf Championship events between Jan. 1 and the PGA Championship, Aug. 16 – one-half point will be awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

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Ryder Cup point system for 2009