COLIN Montgomerie has been appointed captain of the Europe team for the 2010 Ryder Cup.
The Scot, so often an inspiration on the course at previous Ryder Cups, will switch to a leadership role after fending off competition from the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle for the job.
Today's news, which was announced in Dubai, may mean 45-year-old Montgomerie has played in his last Ryder Cup.
The five-time Ryder Cup winner only emerged as a frontrunner two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi after previously indicating he wanted to return to the team next year to win a ninth cap and wait until Gleneagles in 2014 to take up the captaincy.
Lyle and former skipper Ian Woosnam had also been touted as potential leaders of the European team, however they appeared to drop out of contention earlier this month, leaving the European Tour's tournament committee with what appeared to be a choice between Montgomerie and Olazabal.
Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance had both backed Montgomerie, five times a major championship runner-up but never a winner, to take charge for next year's match in Wales.
Montgomerie has won 23.5 points in Ryder Cup player, just 1.5 points behind the record held by Nick Faldo who was last year's captain when Europe were resoundingly beaten by the United States at Valhalla.
Asked about his feelings after being made captain, Montgomerie said: "This is one of the proudest moments I can think of.
"I am very proud and honoured to be selected by the committee to be the 2010 Ryder Cup captain.
"It's not just an honour but a huge responsibility as well.
"It is important we do everything we can to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010."
Montgomerie, who confirmed Olazabal would help him out in Wales, admitted it was support from European players which convinced him to go for the job.
Until this month there seemed no prospect of him making himself available for the post, however he admitted players, including tournament committee chairman Thomas Bjorn, had influenced his thinking.
"I've been listening and taking heed of what they've been saying," Montgomerie said.
"It just seems the time is right for me to take the helm here and be captain."
Montgomerie ruled out any prospect of being a playing captain next year.
"All the points I earn as a player for the Ryder Cup will be nullified," he said.
"I will not in any way, shape or form come close to qualifying for the team.
"I am captain and very proud and honoured."
If he continues to play, Montgomerie plans to target a place on the 2012 team.
He said: "I don't believe I cannot compete in 2012. That is now my aim.
"But we're concentrating today on 2010 and that's where we are."
In December, Corey Pavin was appointed as captain of the United States for the 2010 match, succeeding Paul Azinger.
• To see the results of our own captaincy vote click
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