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Ryder Cup veterans call for closer competition

10/09/2008

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher and veteran player Colin Montgomerie have admitted they would like to see the United States close the gap on Europe in this year's tournament.

The pair both said they would prefer a tighter finish in 2008, after consecutive nine-point victories for the Europeans at Oakland Hills in 2004 and the K Club in 2006.

Gallacher captained Europe on three occasions in the early 1990s - losing to the Americans in 1991 and 1993 by one and two points, respectively, before finally claiming victory by a single point in 1995.

He said: "We do need to have a close Ryder Cup.

"It's not about one team winning by five points or nine points, the strength of the Ryder Cup is all about close matches.

"In an ideal world I would like it to be a close match and for us to win by the odd point - that's what would be good for the Ryder Cup."

Montgomerie, who misses out on playing in the team tournament for the first time since his debut under Gallacher in 1991, agreed, adding: "The Ryder Cup was always based on one shot.

"But now there's been a drastic winning shift towards Europe and that's got to get back for the sake of the Ryder Cup.

"Here's us, as Europeans, saying this and it is fantastic for us to be in this position.

"But for the sake of the Ryder Cup it is important to get the tournament back to a close European win as opposed to a dramatic one."

Despite his calls for a more competitive event, however, Gallacher still believes Europe - who have won the last three Ryder Cups – should be considered the favourites to retain it.

"I think on paper Europe are stronger," he said.

"But I do think what could neutralise that advantage will be that the golf course has been set up by [US team captain] Paul Azinger to suit the Americans.

"The local crowd will also be very vociferous. [The coaches] will make sure the crowd are all wired up - it will be like a Boston crowd, and that may help the Americans."