Inspiring Golf

PARIS -- European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has singled out Ian Poulter for criticism over his absence from this week's Vivendi Trophy. 

Six players from Britain-Ireland and two from Continental Europe are not at St. Nom la Breteche for what used to be called the Seve Trophy in honour of Spanish star Seve Ballesteros. 

Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer are injured and Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald are playing in the PGA Tour's Tour Championship in Atlanta, but Poulter joined Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia in turning down their places on teams led by Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn. 

"I just feel that when you are selected for your country, more of an effort might well have been made," said Montgomerie, who is in attendance to watch potential members of his side for Celtic Manor next October. 

"Ian Poulter, not having qualified for the Tour Championship and having been picked for the last Ryder Cup team (Westwood, Rose and Garcia all qualified), I felt that a little more effort might have been made to come here. 

"I spoke to Miguel Angel Jimenez. He's never missed one of these and never would miss one," he added. "Good for him and I'm the same and Paul McGinley the same and Thomas. 

"I haven't spoken to Ian at all. Please don't make any big issue of this," Montgomerie said. "I would like to focus on the players that are here and not the players that aren't. It does give an opportunity for those who wouldn't otherwise have played to impress not just the captains and their teammates, but me also. 

"You could have over half the (Ryder Cup) team playing here quite easily and it will be interesting to see who performs within a team environment." 

McGinley said: "I've always been a great team player and whenever I've got picked for a team I play. Others guys see it another way. I might not agree with it, but I respect that they have a different opinion. 

"Lee is the only one who rang me and explained why he wasn't going to play," he explained. "As I say, I didn't agree with him and I don't agree with him, but I respect that he's his own man and he can make his own decisions." 

Westwood said he wanted a week off to rest and recharge his batteries for the final few events in the "Race to Dubai" money list. He lies fourth behind Kaymer, Casey and Rory McIlroy.