Dec. 25, 2004 – After Colin Montgomerie ruled himself out of contention for the next Ryder Cup captaincy, Bernhard Langer has emerged as the players' favorite to continue in the job.

Monty sank the winning putt at Oakland Hills in September sparking speculation that the 41-year-old was ready to lead Europe at the K Club in Ireland. But the Scot is focused on improving his current world ranking of 80 and reclaiming a place in the top 25 after being told he was too young to consider captaining Europe.

"I've been told I'm too young," said Montgomerie, and when asked who had told him that he replied: "Everybody. And after hearing it I possibly have to agree. I think I can play in Ireland and possibly the next couple. My current world ranking is ridiculous and I want to get back in the top 25 next year. I know I can, in fact I know I am a top 10 player really."

Montgomerie is a member of the European tour's tournament committee which is expected to discuss the captaincy on Monday. Langer's name is likely to be first up on the agenda.

"It's our job to select the captain who will win the thing," added Montgomerie. "It's his (Langer's) to say 'no' to really and if he says he wants to do it again then there's your captain. I think he would be the Ryder Cup players' choice - nothing flustered him all week.

"It's not a ceremonial thing. Losing in Ireland is not an option. We have a golden opportunity to win three times in a row, which we've not done before."