Colin Montgomerie was named captain of the 2010 European Ryder Cup team on this day in 2009.
The then 45-year-old completed eight games in the competition and made his debut in 1991.
The Scot was unbeaten in singles throughout his Ryder Cup time and with 23½ points total (20–9–7) he sits fourth in the European all-time list behind Sergio Garcia (25½), Sir Nick Faldo (25). and Bernhard Langer (24).
Colin Montgomerie led Europe to victory in the 2010 Ryder Cup (Lynne Cameron/PA)
Upon his appointment in 2009, Montgomerie said: “This is obviously one of my proudest moments.
“It just seems like the right time for me to take the helm here and be captain.
“It is a great responsibility to have lost the last Ryder Cup.
“It is important that we do everything we can to win back the Ryder Cup in 2010.”
Montgomerie chose Garcia, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Thomas Bjorn as his vice-captains and confirmed he would not play during his tenure as captain.
A young Rory McIlroy made his Ryder Cup debut under Montgomerie, while Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer, Peter Hanson and Ross Fisher also appeared.
The US team was captained by Corey Pavin and included players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson, all of whom were great champions. Future Masters champions Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson were also named.
Corey Pavin (left) captained the US team at the 2010 Ryder Cup (David Davies/PA)
Europe led 9½-6½ en route to the final singles session, which was postponed to Monday due to heavy rain on opening day at Celtic Manor.
Team USA fought back on the final day but Graeme McDowell clinched victory for the Europeans on the 17th green by beating Hunter Mahan.
Montgomerie captained Europe to a 14½-13½ victory, which was their sixth in eight competitions and fourth straight win on home soil.
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