Monty backing Paul's Case

Montgomerie: Backing Casey

Padraig Harrington has opened the door if you like, and said to the rest of Europe that yes, it is possible

Colin Montgomerie
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Colin Montgomerie believes Paul Casey can fulfill his "great potential" and and win a major in 2009.

The Englishman moved up to third spot in the world rankings following his one-shot victory in the BMW PGA Championship last month.

Casey's success at Wentworth meant he became the first Brit to break into the top three since Montgomerie. Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam are the only others to achieve the feat since the rankings began in 1986.

European captain Montgomerie admitted to Sky Sports News that he is not surprised by the rise of his former Ryder Cup team-mate.

Great potential

"He's always had great potential because of the length he can hit the ball," he said ahead of the duo participating in the Wales Open.

"If he can just get that putting right, which if there was a weakness then that was it, then he will be holing out well. Then he will win again.

"He's risen very, very quickly - from the 20s at the start of the year. There's an awful lot of talent in Europe and he's one of (them)."

Montgomerie now feels Casey can kick on and win one of the three remaining majors this year - starting with the US Open at Bethpage Black on June 18.

However, the Scot also feels there are several other leading European candidates for success - including Rory McIlroy.

Potential winners

"Paul is a potential Major winner," Montgomerie enthused.

"Padraig Harrington has opened the door if you like, and said to the rest of Europe that yes, it is possible.

"There's a (Sergio) Garcia waiting in the wings for a major. There's a Paul Casey, there's a (Henrik) Stenson, there's a (Robert) Karlsson, there's a (Lee) Westwood, there's a (Rory) McIlory. There's a number of them.

"The Open Championship coming up at Turnberry will be a fantastic event."