Monty wants Ryder Cup for Turnberry

Colin Montgomerie claims that Turnberry is the players' choice to stage the Ryder Cup in 2009.

The Scot believes that the Turnberry Hotel, where he has his golf academy, and not Loch Lomond or Gleneagles, is where the stars of Europe and America want to do battle in eight year time.

"Turnberry is the choice of the players because it is a Links course," insists Montgomerie.

"It's a shame it's going to Ireland in 2005 because that's not a Links course - it's more an American style course.

"It would be nice to get back to Turnberry because the facilities there are wonderful and they have the experience of hosting some of the top events. I think it would be welcome by everyone.

"When I talk to the players regarding golf in Scotland they immediately think of a Links course because of The Open. It would be nice to get back to Turnberry."

The Scottish courses are vying with Wales' Celtic Manor and England's Slaley Hall to get the nod from the Ryder Cup committee in September.

The Welsh course has yet to be built and Montgomerie believes it is high time that the event returned to the home of golf.

"Scotland's bid is quite strong," added Montgomerie. It's very difficult to give it somewhere that doesn't have a course although they do have planning permission for a Welsh course.

"I can't down any other bid, but I want Scotland to host the Ryder Cup because the conditions at these courses are wonderful.

"I think Scotland's package gives us more of an opportunity against one particular course in Wales.

"We haven't really hosted the Ryder Cup as it is now in Scotland and with the quality of these courses and it's well overdue."