The identity of the next European Ryder captain is being hotly disputed within the golf world.

Published: 16 January 2009

Scottish golf star Colin Montgomerie "could be persuaded" to put on his golf clothes and take the role of the next European Ryder Cup captain if Jose Maria Olazabal turns down the offer, it has been claimed.

According to the Independent, it was thought that Montgomerie was a cert for the place in 2014 when the cup is to take place in Gleneagles.

However, the newspaper claims that some reports were indicating that Montgomerie could don his golf apparel four years earlier and take the role as Olazabal seems "determined to make the team as a player".

Sandy Lyle could be another choice if Olazabal turns down the role, but the newspaper claims that after the "level of hostility" towards him at a recent meeting, it could be unlikely.

However, Montgomerie himself seems to be in support of Olazabal taking the role, according to various reports.

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