Old dogs don't need new tricks

RYDER CUP AFTERMATH: John O'Sullivan believes not only are Montgomerie and Langer the past and present of the Ryder Cup, but also the future.

They were within touching distance of each other on the podium, a closeness that reflected their relationship over the three days of the Ryder Cup.

Colin Montgomerie, Europe's standard bearer and chief points accumulator, passionate and animated, Bernhard Langer his able lieutenant for three matches in the first two days, reserved and verbally precise.

The bouquets were tossed back and forth as the European team members professed their undying love for one another, the mortar of exceptional team spirit the humour that bonded them together. Even Langer's normally detached demeanour was shelved for the occasion.

Teased about his advancing years, the 45-year-old German smiled: "I have to take that. I guess I am the oldest by far. What else can I say? It's been incredible.

"It was my 10th Ryder Cup and ranks up there with the best even though I have been on the winning team five and a half times.

"When we got here, there was all this talk that we had some weak players on the team and not in form. It was all rubbish. Everyone was playing great. There weren't just two or three or five or seven good players; all 12 were great.

"To be 45 and to be part of this is just unbelievable. This will make me try harder to be a part of it again in two years time."

Two days after the finish of the Ryder Cup and it is funny that Langer, given his status as the Methuselah of the team, is being spoken of as the future.

More specifically a future Ryder Cup captain and one whose tenure could be at the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club.

There would be a certain irony if his main rival for the position is one Colin Montgomerie, the man with whom he has toiled so successfully in many a Ryder Cup.

The Scot has made no secret of the fact that he wants to captain the European team and possibly as early as the K Club. Those discussions though are for days ahead. This victory was about celebration.

Laughing, cracking jokes, soaking up the atmosphere, Montgomerie was going to savour the occasion.

The personal vitriol that poured down from the American galleries three years ago in Brookline erased, at least for now, by his experiences at the Belfry this week. He was Europe's colossus, an inspiration over the three days.

Montgomerie was a talismanic figure, sent out in the number one singles on the final day to throw down the gauntlet to the Americans. European captain Sam Torrance had formulated a strategy, one to which Monty was initially not privy.

"We (the players) had no idea (of the order). I was in the physio unit. I came out and was looking at the sheet for my name at seven, eight or nine where I usually play and couldn't see my name.

"It was because it was Monty instead of Montgomerie. I was as shocked as everyone to see what Sam (Torrance) had done.

"He put his strength right at the top. I'm not saying there isn't strength at the bottom, but he put his top seven out of our 12 up there. It worked beautifully."

One of the primary reasons that Torrance's gamble was such a success was the relentless way in which Montgomerie coursed Scott Hoch.

There was a little bit of history there, not in an antagonistic way, but at Valderrama in 1997, the Scot looked set to beat Hoch on the home green, when they American had to hole a 30-foot putt for a half.

The then European captain Seve Ballesteros conceded Hoch his putt because Europe has already won. Montgomerie was not best pleased because he wanted to win his match.

The American would receive no reprieve this time. Montgomerie was six-under-par for the 14 holes played in securing his five and four victory. The pressure is claustrophobic for some, but not Monty. He relishes the challenge.

"You like to think that major championships are more important, in a way, but I have always liked team competition. I have always thrived on that competition more than the game of golf.

"The competitive nature in me comes out in these matches and I enjoy them thoroughly. I've been fortunate to have good partners. Bernhard Langer would be a partner for anyone. And Padraig Harrington.

Even at the formal press conference on Sunday, Montgomerie's bonhomie never darkened, not even when references to Brookline were thrust forward.

When asked to compare and contrast his feelings between yesterday's success and Brookline he couldn't resist joking at his own expense.

"1999, yeh, it feels a little bit better this, actually. Funny, but it does. It's lovely to have the support.

"And it is also good that, as my wife said to me, it's important that the American team realise actually how popular I am here in Britain. I think that sums up your question."

Led by Torrance, the team burst into a chorus of "we love you Monty we do", much to his and their amusement.

There were no demons lurking. Cossetted by a team and public that adored him, Montgomerie once again ascended to the top of the game. Montgomerie and Langer at the Belfry.

In four years' time could it be Montgomerie or Langer at the K Club?