Scotland's Colin Montgomerie says he's more than happy to assume a leadership role with Team Europe.(Photo: Getty Images)

Team Europe's Extreme Makeover

The "Big 6" players who were the catalyst for Team Europe’s Ryder Cup resurgence the past two decades have passed the torch to a new generation.

Don Jozwiak, PGA.com Contributor
September 16, 2004

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Team USA dominated the Ryder Cup Matches from 1957 through 1983. That 13-match winning streak was snapped by Team Europe in 1985, touching off an era that has seen Europe claim the Ryder Cup in six of the last nine Matches. The cornerstone of Team Europe over that timeframe has been what some have called ?The Big Six,? a group that included Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Ian Woosnam.

Time waits for no man, or team, however. Team Europe?s Big Six has lost two-thirds of its membership, and only Montgomerie will be playing at the 35th Ryder Cup Matches this week here at Oakland Hills Country Club. Langer has assumed the role of team captain, while Montgomerie -- one of Langer?s two captain?s picks -- is on the back nine of a long and distinguished playing career.

Each man is still expected to be a major contributor to Team Europe during the Matches. Langer?s meticulous preparation and leadership as team captain are providing a solid foundation for his young team.

?Bernhard?s attention to detail is fantastic,? said Ryder Cup rookie Paul Casey. ?He is a great leader, and he will not miss a trick this week.?

Meanwhile, Montgomerie?s game is no longer as consistently outstanding as it was during his run of seven consecutive Order of Merit money titles on the PGA European Tour. He has struggled with injuries, equipment changes and a high-profile divorce over the last three years, and failed to qualify on points for Team Europe for the first time since 1991. Despite this, he was an easy choice for Langer as a captain?s pick, and his game seems to be in great shape during practice rounds at Oakland Hills. The atmosphere seems to have sparked Montgomerie?s competitive spirit.

?I do enjoy this competition. It?s obvious for everyone here to see and to witness,? said Montgomerie, who has a 16-7-5 record in Ryder Cup play. ?Usually when you enjoy something, you?re quite good at it. That falls in for me here.?

Montgomerie has, by his own admission, failed to capitalize on some excellent opportunities to capture a major championship. But whatever has kept him from winning a major has not stopped him from being a force at the Ryder Cup, and his young teammates expect he?ll rise to the occasion again for Team Europe at Oakland Hills.

?He?s certainly perceived as a leader,? Langer said of Montgomerie. ?All of the guys who made the team (on points) were thrilled and excited when I announced that Colin would be on the team as one of my picks. And all of them would love to play with him, as well. The know he?s a rock when the pressure comes on.?

With Montgomerie?s playing career on the back nine, he is considered a candidate to captain Team Europe in the near future. But who will take the leadership mantle on the course? Candidates include Ryder Cup veterans Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Segio Garcia and Padraig Harrington -- all of whom have experience playing with The Big Six. Harrington believes that the torch has not yet been passed.

?This is my third Ryder Cup. I just about feel like I?m not a rookie,? said Harrington, the No. 8 player in the world and the highest-ranked member of Team Europe. ?I don?t feel in any sense that I?m the leader going out on this team. I think Monty is very much that person.?