Torrance talks up Rory

Torrance: Backs Monty, McIlroy and Europe

Rory McIlroy is the hottest prospect we have had in 20 years.

Sam Torrance.
Quotes of the week

Sam Torrance is backing Colin Montgomerie to win back the Ryder Cup in 2010, telling Sky Sports News that Europe will 'continue to dominate' the biennial event.

Scot Torrance captained Europe to victory over the Americans at the K Club in 2006 and although Nick Faldo's team lost the trophy at Valhalla in 2008, he believes Montgomerie will return Europe to its winnings ways at Celtic Manor when next the US and Europe clash in 2010.

"We are the better team," says Torrance. "I thought we were a better team last time but we didn't play as well as they did. We have won it, what four or five out of the last six?

"I think it was just a pause in the Eueopean domination and we will continue to dominate for a good while yet."

Torrance was speaking at an event to promote the 2009 Open Championship - specifially the championship's beer - and he feels that in Rory McIlroy Great Britain has a golfer that could become the first to win a major championship since Paul Lawrie picked up the Claret Jug at the 1999 Open at Carnoustie.

Asked who the next British challenger for a major, he said: "You have got to look to young Rory McIlroy. He is the hottest prospect we have had in 20 years. It could be this year. He won the Dubai classic, he has won on tour, he is ready for anything.

"I knew him when he was 13 - he actually came to stay with me for a week, he was a friend of my sons and we played a lot of golf - and I saw a huge talent in him. He has come on leaps and bounds since then.

"He handles the spotlight well, he has just been offered his card in America which he turned down and I thought was a move beyond his years. Any kid given a card in America would have snapped it up but he doesn't need that.

"He is ranked 14 on the world, he is in all the majors all the WGC events, he can play virtually where he wants, so not to commit to that at such an early stage was defintely a decision beyond his years."

Sam Torrance is a brand ambassador for Pilsner Urquell, the official beer sponsor of The Open. To celebrate this partnership Pilsner Urquell is hosting 19th Hole events at Parsons Green (31st May) and Broadgate Arena (3rd - 5th June).