Jose Maria Olazabal has put faith in Colin Montgomerie to create a Ryder Cup first and return to next year’s biannual event as a member of the Spaniard’s team.

Olazabal and Monty played the opening two rounds of the UBS Hong Kong Open together.

And after what the Spaniard observed over the two days in the Fanlin course, Olazabal has not ruled out Monty becoming the first-ever captain in the 85-year history of the Ryder Cup to return as a qualified playing member.

Jose Maria Olazabal not prepared to sign off Monty creating a Ryder Cup first next year. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“It is tough to make the Ryder Cup team and you have to play good golf but having spent today’s round alongside Colin we all know how consistent he is,” said the Spaniard.

“On top of that we all know how good his record is in match-play and especially the Ryder Cup.

“So if he makes the team that means he has raised his game and it is where it should be to qualify for the Ryder Cup so it he was to make the team that would be wonderful.

“But from what I saw today he did hit a few bad shots but his game is not that far off and he still hits a lot of wonderful second shots into the greens, and it is just a matter of making a few putts.

“And like me, Monty is still very competitive and we both feel that we can still win out here so that’s important to continue to have that feeling.”

Olazabal has shown so much faith in Monty that’s he’s selected him as a member of next year’s Royal Trophy between Europe and Asia.

“I chose Colin because he is a solid player and even when he’s playing all that well because he is still a very consistent player,” said Olazabal.

“Colin hits a lot of fairways and a lot of greens and I can tell he still has the motivation and the will to win, so that is a good asset to the European Royal Trophy team.

“And the next Royal Trophy is dedicated to Seve and while it has been a very tough year, the memory will always be there.

“That’s what I will treasure, all those wonderful memories and the many times I spent with him playing in the Ryder Cup, and practicing with him.

“He left us an enormous legacy and it is good we have tournaments like the Royal Trophy and the Seve Trophy and it will be good to see them grow and be a part of our schedule.”