Monty defends picking Harrington for Ryder Cup

September 30, 2010

Golfom Colin Montgomerie is defending his choice of Padraig Harrington as a captains pick, telling the cynics to wait until after the Ryder Cup is over before judging whether he was the right pick.

Montgomerie took Harrington, a three-time major champion who hasnt won in two years, over Paul Casey and Justin Rose. Casey is No. 7 in the world, while Rose won twice in America this summer.

Harrington has not won a Ryder Cup match since 2004.

Montgomerie says the Irishman was playing the best golf of anyone on the European team during Tuesdays practice round, and that Harringtons energy reminds him of a rookie.

He feels criticism of his selection is not justified, and the pick should be judged on Oct. 4, the day after the Ryder Cup.