updated 8:13 p.m. ET Aug. 29, 2004

NORD EICHENRIED, Germany - Colin Montgomerie’s toughest year on and off the golf course took a turn for the better Sunday when he was chosen by European captain Bernhard Langer to play in his seventh Ryder Cup.

Langer also picked Luke Donald of England, while four other players held onto their spots as qualifying for the European team ended at the BMW International Open.

Montgomerie, who has fallen to No. 70 in the world ranking while going through a very public divorce, will be the most experienced player at the Ryder Cup when Europe tries to retain the trophy Sept. 17-19 at Oakland Hills outside Detroit.

Langer had a tough decision between Donald and Fredrik Jacobson, who nearly played his way onto the team before fading on the back nine at the BMW International.

But his selection of Montgomerie was no surprise.

“I think Montgomerie will rise to the occasion,” Langer said. “We have players who will crumble, but he will pull it out. He’s my No. 1.”

Montgomerie is 16-7-5 in his six previous Ryder Cups and has never lost in singles.

“Bernhard knows what I can do because he’s played with me in the Ryder Cup,” Montgomerie said. “It’s been a tough time for me recently and so this news is great news for me personally.”

Paul McGinley, whose 8-foot par putt clinched the cup for Europe two years ago, gets another chance to be the star. Also playing their way onto the team Sunday were a trio of Englishmen — Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and David Howell. Thomas Levet also qualified on the money list, so his spot was secure no matter what happened at the tournament.

Rounding out Europe’s team were Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Lee Westwood, who earned their spots last week through a world ranking list.

This is the first time Montgomerie made the team as a captain’s pick. He tied for third at the BMW International Open, five shots behind Jimenez.

“I know he has had a difficult time with his divorce, but I think he is coming out of it,” Langer said. “I think he will gain a lot of confidence from the way he has played this week, and he brings some leadership. I don’t know anybody who has a problem with me picking him. If they do, I feel sorry for them.

“He can handle the pressure and put pressure on the other team.”

Jacobson was tied for the lead at one point Sunday. Despite a bogey on the 15th hole, the Swede still could have made the team with an eagle on the final hole, but instead made par.

“I’m sure Fredrik will be the most disappointed of all,” Langer said.

Jacobson and Donald are good friends, and both play most of their golf on the PGA Tour. Jacobson (No. 26) has a higher world ranking than Donald (No. 48), although Donald has victories on the PGA and European tours.

“When I looked at the golf course we would be facing at Oakland Hills, I had to come to a decision who would serve the team best,” Langer said. “I came up with Colin and Luke, and I think they will perform as well, if not better, than the others. They are the best men for the job.”

Among the five rookies is Poulter, who nearly squandered his chance to make the team when he took a quadruple bogey on the 10th hole. Not knowing how Jacobson would finish, Poulter rallied with birdies and secured his spot with an eagle on the final hole.

Langer also said Thomas Bjorn would be at Oakland Hills as a vice captain.

MORE FROM GOLF

Golf Section Front

Harrington has ‘doubt’ he can win third straight A duel at Turnberry that still can’t be beat Breaking down the British Open Different course, similar strategy for Tiger Lyle in spat with Monty over cheating comment British Open first- and second-round tee times Canada's Taylor top qualifier at U.S. Publinx Golfer loses legal bid to get amateur status back Trash Talk: When players revolt! Commishes, be afraid! Tahoe celebrity tourney celebrating 20 years Golf Section Front   Add Golf headlines to your news reader: