Monty: Keep Rory away from Tiger at Medinah

• By Ryan Lavner
• Sep 24, 2012 9:14 AM ET

Golf fans may be eager to see a Tiger Woods-Rory McIlroy singles match Sunday at the Ryder Cup – and heck, even the world’s top two players have said they would relish the opportunity to square off at Medinah – but Colin Montgomerie isn’t convinced that’s a good idea for the European squad.

The 2010 European Ryder Cup captain penned a column in the Telegraph in which he wrote, “Of course, it’s a hell of a boost to have the game’s dominant player in our ranks. Indeed, such is his form I wish Rory could play 10 matches at Medinah, not five. But there is also a danger in having the undisputed No. 1, as America proved when Tiger Woods was in his pomp.

“America relied on him too heavily. They put so much emphasis on the belief that Woods was going to win five points that when he suddenly lost the first game, it threw them completely. We knew that if we went out and took down Tiger it would be like cutting the head off the snake. It was only one point on the board, but it was worth so much more. America’s momentum was lost – totally and irretrievably.”

Monty also revealed that McIlroy expressed a desire to play Woods in Sunday singles at Celtic Manor in 2010, as well. According to the Telegraph, the Scot remembered thinking, “‘Hang on, hang on. Keep him away from Tiger.’ He’s to be avoided, particularly in a head-to-head in America.

“Rory would have something to lose. Tiger would be freewheeling, and we saw what he can do when in the mood against poor Francesco Molinari in Wales,” referring to Woods’ 4-and-3 rout.

And, of course, no opinion column would be complete without a prediction.

Wrote Monty, “If I were a betting man, my money would be on (a) 14-14 (tie). I honestly think it will be so close there could be nothing to split the teams.”