Europe has now won eight of the last 10 Ryder Cups. Is there any easy explanation as to why?
We tend to hole the putts. At Gleneagles Europe was 110-under par, America was 72-under par; that's a 38-shot difference. But Europe does seem to have a different passion when it comes to the Ryder Cup. The Americans should perhaps bond better because of the different cultures and languages in Europe but it doesn't seem to be that way. Europe also seems to enjoy it more. And like anything in life, if you enjoy it you're usually pretty good at it. Also, the Europeans see the Ryder Cup, along with the Open Championship, as one of the two most important events in the game. In America, winning the Ryder Cup likely comes further down in terms of importance.
Of all your Ryder Cup singles successes, which won gave you the most personal satisfaction?
That’s a tough one but I’ll have to say 2002 at The Belfry. Going out first for the first time was a real honour and yet there was also that element of ‘oh my word, what happens if this goes wrong?’ there was pressure on us to get blue on the board. It was 8-8 going into the singles and I had to bring back a point, which I did beating Scott Hoch 5&4. That was my best performance in singles.
Will Tiger Woods win more majors?
I think he will but, through being as good as he has been, he has made life harder for himself. He has left no stone unturned in his bid to get to the top and others have watched his every move in their efforts to do the same. He furnished the world with the ultimate in golfing models.
If you could give just one piece of advice to your average club golfer, what would it be?
Loosen your grip. Too tight a grip is the most common fault in the amateur game and the one with the most severe repercussions. You need to soften your hold on the grip in order to create a smooth swing; that's how you generate power and direction.
Who would make up your dream fourball?
My personal one would be Mum, Dad and my brother Douglas. If I were to choose famous golfers it would be Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Who do you respect most in the world of golf?
Bernhard Langer by a mile. He has such faith and is so devoted to his family. He has never done anything wrong. He is a complete professional on and off the course, in his appearance, his demeanour, the way he acts. He is the complete professional.
And outside golf?
Margaret Thatcher. I thought she was superb. But I have a very high regard for those people who run charities and the people who give to charities. I know a bit about this from starting a charity in the name of my mother who died of cancer in 1991. That charity is the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, which works to raise money for cancer victims. To give to others rather than to yourself is rare and admirable.
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