Golf-Montgomerie lays into Poulter over Cup wildcard picks

By Norman Dabell

GLENEAGLES, Scotland, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Colin Montgomerie hit back at his Ryder Cup wildcard rival Ian Poulter on Friday, criticising the Englishman for discussing his playing plans with European captain Nick Faldo. Faldo will name his two wildcard selections on Sunday for the Sept 19-21 clash with the United States in Kentucky, after Englishman Poulter opted to skip the final points-scoring event, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

Poulter opted instead to play the PGA Tour's Deutsche Bank Championship in Massachusetts, saying he had explained his decision to Faldo.

Poulter reacted angrily when questioned about the conversation with Faldo, rubbishing comments that he had a 'hotline' to the six-times major winner.

But Scotland's Montgomerie, who needs to be selected by Faldo to have any chance of playing in a ninth Ryder Cup, hit back at Poulter after finishing 36 holes in two-under at the Gleneagles event.

"It's nice to be told what to do by one so young and so inexperienced," Montgomerie told reporters.

"He did say he has spoken to Faldo. Has anyone else said that? No."

Faldo has two selections as captain with Poulter, Montgomerie, Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and England's Paul Casey seen as the likeliest candidates.

(Editing by Miles Evans)