Montgomerie issues Cup caution for players heading to States

The winning captain in 2010 is concerned at the amount of players basing themselves in the United States, a percentage that will swell with the addition of US Open champion Rory McIlroy.

Montgomerie found leaving out world No 9 Paul Casey last year the hardest thing he had to do as captain – and he hopes successor Jose Maria Olazabal does not face the same dilemma next August.

Olazabal has opted for only two wild cards instead of Montgomerie’s three – and three did not prove enough to get either Casey or Justin Rose, twice a winner in the States during the qualifying period, into his side.

The pair play together in the first two rounds of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles today and tomorrow, with the Ryder Cup race beginning next week in Switzerland.

“I think it surprised us all that a world top-10 player didn’t make it and I do hope that Olazabal doesn’t have that same issue,” said Montgomerie.

“I hope it’s more cut and dried for him than it was for me and that the two picks are obvious. If you base yourself in America you are taking a risk to make the Ryder Cup team, quite simple.”

Yorkshire’s leading quartet are all in action at Gleneagles.

John Parry has been working alongside coach Mark Moore to bring his putting up to the level of confidence he is at with his ball-striking.

Harrogate’s Parry is 39th in driving accuracy but 71st in putting average as he attempts to climb towards the top 60 on the ‘Race to Dubai’ rankings.

Hull’s Richard Finch is fifth in greens in regulation and 46th on the rankings while Malton’s Simon Dyson sits ninth on the money standings following his stellar summer.

This is his first tournament since aggravating his back during the US PGA two weeks ago.

Sheffield’s Danny Willett returns to action for the first time since missing the cut at the Irish Open.

Mark Hancock (Bolton Old Links) leads professional golf’s oldest trophy, the Leeds Cup, by a shot from a trio of Yorkshire players. Chris Gray (Cottingham), 48, is one behind after shooting 65 in a tournament he won 25 years ago. Aran Wainwright (Mid Yorkshire) and Michael Ramsden (Bondhay) are also one off the pace at Oulton Hall.