Sport: Colin Montgomerie's Ryder Cup career

Always popular with the fans, Monty's name can be seen on a sign held by a fan as the European team stands on stage during the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Ryder Cup which Europe won with a record score of 18 1/2 to 9 1/2. Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Montgomerie's commitment to the European cause on his tournament debut is evident as he misses a putt on the 18th green during his final day singles in the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island Photograph: Stephen Munday/Getty Images

Nick Faldo is congratulated by his partner Montgomerie during the 1993 Ryder Cup Photograph: PA/PA Archive/PA Photos

Faldo and Monty teamed up together again in the 1995 Ryder Cup Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images

Monty holds the trophy aloft as he celebrates victory over the USA in the 1995 Ryder Cup at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York Photograph: David, Cannon/Allsport/Getty

Monty's face is full of concentration as he plays out of a bunker early in his round in the morning fourballs of the 1997 tournament Photograph: Michael Steele/EMPICS Sport/PA Photos

Monty plays from the rough, during the 1999 Ryder Cup, which the US won narrowly Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA

An angry Colin Montgomerie waves his fist at the US crowd after being heckled during the Saturday morning foursomes in 1999 Photograph: Andrew Redington/Allsport/Getty

A disappointed Monty looks to the skies after missing a shot on the second day of the 2002 Ryder Cup at The Belfry. His disappointment however was short-lived as Europe went on to win the trophy Photograph: Reuters Photographer/Reuters

Europe's captain Sam Torrance watches Montgomerie line up his chip on the 18th green in 2002 Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Montgomerie celebrates after sinking his final putt on the 18th green which means that Europe retained the Ryder Cup in 2004 Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA Archive/PA Photos

A tender moment amongst team-mates as Monty is congratulated by his captain Bernhard Langer on the 18th green after his wins over David Toms of the USA give Europe victory over the USA during the Sunday singles matches at the 2004 Ryder Cup Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Colin Montgomerie plays his second shot in the morning of the first day of the 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club, County Kildare, Ireland Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Colin Montgomerie celebrates with the trophy after Europe win the 2006 Ryder Cup Photograph: Jon Buckle/EMPICS Sport/PA Photos