Open boosts Europe's Ryder Cup hopes

Colin Montgomerie left St. Andrews bemoaning his own poor form but still had a smile on his face as several of his European Ryder Cup hopefuls played a starring role.

True, the Auld Claret Jug which goes to the British Open winner escaped the clutches of Europe's best as South African Louis Oosthuizen stole the show in spectacular style.

But a glance down the leaderboard shows top 15 finishes for Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer and Alvaro Quiros - half a team right there.

Americans on the other hand, typified by the misfiring Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, were conspicuous by their absence with Sean O'Hair and Nick Watney the best performers in a tie for seventh.

European skipper Montgomerie, who is due to name his vice-captains on Tuesday was a contented man with the clash against the Americans at Celtic Manor near Newport in South Wales just two months away.

"Things couldn't be going much better really when you look at the leaderboard with Casey and Westwood and Kaymer and Stenson. They are all up there doing you proud," he said.

"We've had our first British winner of the US Open for 40 years (Graeme McDowell), Lee Westwood almost won the Masters, we're contending here again and who says we won't do so again at the US PGA in a month's time. Justin Rose winning twice in America.

"It's been a fabulous year for British golf. Amazing standard of golf with British players battling against each other."

His American counterpart Corey Pavin, who did not play at St Andrews, was more circumspect.

"I certainly wish Americans had played better in general," he said by e-mail from a hotel room in London where he is getting ready to compete in next week's Senior British Open at Carnoustie.

"But there were good performances by Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Jeff Overton, Nick Watney, J.B. Holmes and Sean O'Hair.

"With over 70 days before the first shot is struck at the Ryder Cup, there is still plenty of time for potential team members to show even better form."

Of course just what can be deduced from a strokeplay tournament played over a classic links course in July compared to a matchplay event on a non-links course in late September is open for question.

But confidence and winning ways are something that all golfers seek.

Certainly by the sounds emanating from players taking part at St. Andrews, the impetus, at least for the moment, rests with the European crew.

Both Westwood and Ian Poulter, Europe's star turn when they lost the trophy at Valhalla, Kentucky two years ago, took the time out to goad their American rivals.

"They're not going to be happy, are they?" said Poulter.

"If you look at the winners on their tour over the last few weeks, four out of five have been European and Justin (Rose) should have won the other one.

"Our guys are going over there and winning week in, week out. It's great. I love it. It really fires things up for the Ryder Cup - even more passion will be spilt out over Celtic Manor. I can't wait."

The pot is simmering nicely.