Montgomerie backs wild card for Tiger

Colin Montgomerie fully supports Fred Couples in his decision to hand Tiger Woods a Presidents Cup wild card almost three months before the match in Melbourne.

Despite falling down the world rankings, giving his worst-ever performance in a major at the USPGA Championship two weeks ago and missing out on the FedEx Cup play-offs, Woods has already been given an assurance by Couples that he will win his seventh cap on November 17-20. "I told him he's going to be on the team," said Couples. "There's no reason for me to wait until 26 September to pick Tiger. He's the best player in the world forever. Is he playing well right now? No.

"He almost won Augusta (The Masters) four months ago, so you don't do that by playing poor golf."

Montgomerie agreed: "Quite right too. He's been the best player in the world over the last 12 years and you can't leave him out."

With Woods not playing before the team is decided, Couples has surprised many observers with his early decision.