I need to improve putting to make Ryder Cup: Montgomerie

LONDON (Reuters) - Colin Montgomerie said he must make a big improvement with his putter to kick-start his bid to get in the Ryder Cup team.

The 44-year-old has slumped to 59th in the world rankings despite winning the European Open at the K Club in Ireland last July and partnering fellow Scot Marc Warren to victory at the World Cup in China in November.

"I'd like to participate again in the Ryder Cup," Montgomerie told the European Tour's official Web site (www.europeantour.com) on Friday. "I've played in the last eight and I'd like to make that nine.

"I need to putt better (though). I've missed far too many that my competitors are holing."

The eight-time European number one said he needed to improve by two putts per round to climb the rankings and boost his hopes of featuring in Nick Faldo's team when they take on the United States at Valhalla, Kentucky in September.

"That's eight shots a tournament," he said. "If you take eight shots off every tournament I play, I'd be winning four or five a year.

"I used to be able to get away with average putting but not now because the standards have improved. I've got to putt well to win."

Montgomerie has delighted organizers of this month's Dubai Desert Classic by announcing his intention to take on the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and holder Henrik Stenson at the Emirates Golf Club.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chief executive of event promoters Golf in Dubai, said: "For us Monty is special, in the sense that his regular appearances here have gone a long way towards getting our event the worldwide recognition it deserved.

"We appreciate his commitment and support."

(Editing by Ken Ferris)