Montgomerie backs Faldo

Golf

Golf

The European team challenging for the Ryder Cup arrived in the United States yesterday and were quick to dismiss speculation about Nick Faldo.

Colin Montgomerie, who is expected to partner Faldo in the foursomes and fourballs, said that claims about the state of Faldo's marriage would have no effect. He said: "There are no worries about Nick Faldo as regards the Ryder Cup. There's more pressure in the Cup than any other tournament, even the majors, and Nick handles pressure better than anybody I've ever seen.

"He is a different character when the word `pressure' is mentioned and I don't worry about his form this year."

Faldo, who finished outside the top 20 in all four majors this season, has been in America working on his game with his coach, David Leadbetter, for the past week, and he met the rest of the team at the airport.

His manager, John Simpson, denied reports that Faldo was seeking a divorce from his wife, Gill. "She is flying out to America to be with him and give him support in a vital tournament," Simpson said.

"That is hardly the actions of a woman who is about to divorce her husband. I find the whole thing extraordinary. All Nick is concentrating on at the moment is winning back the Ryder Cup."