Torrance criticises Faldo over Montgomerie remarks

By Tony Jimenez

VIRGINIA WATER (Reuters) - Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance has criticised 2008 skipper Nick Faldo for comments he made about Colin Montgomerie earlier this week.

Faldo said Montgomerie's absence from three team meetings when the six-times major winner led Britain and Ireland at the recent Seve Trophy in Ireland was "disappointing".

"Monty's a tough one," added the Ryder Cup captain. "He was the only one whose emotions I had to deal with. He had to be teased out on to the 18th green to support his team."

Torrance, who led Europe to victory over the United States at the Belfry in 2002, said Faldo should not have talked about Montgomerie in that way.

"To remotely suggest Colin's not a team man is outrageous to say the least," Torrance told the BBC during the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on Friday. "One thing Colin is, he is a team man.

"He is always there to help, to do anything you want...a great team man."

Torrance said Faldo was given a good opportunity to prepare for next September's Ryder Cup match in Kentucky when he was chosen to lead Britain and Ireland at the Seve Trophy.

"It was a dry run for the Ryder Cup and I don't think you can criticise your players in public," said the Scot. "It's not something I would have done, it's not something I've seen any other captain do.