Peter McEvoy - backs Monty
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And McEvoy told the Glasgow Evening Times: "Monty has been very much a team player in the Ryder Cup. He has been very important in the team room and part of the tournament's folklore.
"I have no doubt he's the right man for the job and will be able to gee-up his players and ensure they are well prepared and focused. I am sorry this row [with Lyle] has blown up. It's pointless.”
McEvoy, who knows a thing or two about captaincy having led GB&I to back-to-back Walker Cup successes in 1999 and 2001, had plenty of advice for his fellow Scot: "It's important as a captain not to be aloof but a half-step away from your team. You have to know the players, know their strengths, weaknesses and know their personalities but you can't be their friend.
"But aloof is not a word I would associate with Monty. It's a long time since I played golf with him but everything I have heard from players and read about him in the Ryder Cup would suggest quite the opposite is true. He's going to have to make some tough decisions and leave people out and that's difficult to do if you are too close," suggested McEvoy.
"So, half-a-step away from the players is the right place to be. You have to be able to go up to them and say: 'Look, I'm terribly sorry but you're not playing today.' You can't be uncomfortable doing that."
McEvoy added that a captain has to keep the morale and spirit up and keep the team focussed.
"He's a passionate man who wears his heart on his sleeve when he plays and I am sure he will be like that as captain too. His players will respond to his enthusiasm and honesty."
