COLIN MONTGOMERIE declared yesterday that Europe is becoming the dominant force in golf.
Montgomerie issued his buoyant message following last week's Ryder Cup victory and wins for Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer in the US Open and US PGA this year.
With both Lee Westwood and Kaymer jostling to depose Tiger Woods as the world No 1 after a five-year reign, the European captain had much ammunition when he talked in Hong Kong during an HSBC Champions charity day.
Montgomerie said: "We've always bowed to America's dominance in the world rankings.
"But we've had a fantastic year in Europe and that dominance is now changing.
"There is a changing of the guard towards Europe and also the European Tour."
Montgomerie flew out to the Far East along with Padraig Harrington immediately after the Dunhill Links, and both will compete in this week's Johore Open in Malaysia.
As well as playing in the event, the Scot will explore other opportunities in the region, including golf-course design.
While Montgomerie was bullish in Hong Kong, he feels sure the domination of Europe and the United States will soon be challenged.
He said: "I'll be surprised, with all the talent around, if a Chinese golfer isn't No 1 in the next 10 to 15 years.
"There's no question with the work ethic here. We've seen how hard the Koreans work and practise, especially in the ladies game.
"We've got a Korean winner in the men's game [Yang Yong-eun] and a Chinese will follow suit, definitely."
However, Montgomerie, whose return to the playing ranks at the Dunhill Links saw him finish tied for 41st, has not written off Woods.
Westwood and perhaps Kaymer may topple him on October 31 through the quirks of the rankings system, but the European captain expects a firm response. So does Woods himself.
The American's stunning form in the Ryder Cup singles at Celtic Manor, where he was nine under par in thrashing Francesco Molinari, has given the fallen superstar new hope.
"My swing is going to be totally different next year than it was in 2010," said Woods at the opening of two Tiger Woods Learning Centres in Washington.
The 34-year-old has been working for the past few weeks with a new coach, Sean Foley, and if his final-day form in the Ryder Cup is anything to go by, he may yet return to something like the formidable player he used to be.
While not going quite as far as Montgomerie, European Tour chief executive George O'Grady agreed that this has been a year to remember.
He added: "I'd say this is the best year our Tour has ever had.
"Three Majors went to members of the European Tour - Louis Ooshuizen, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer - and we also have the Ryder Cup back.
"We also have two players in Lee Westwood and Kaymer who can go to the top of the world rankings at the end of the month."
O'Grady is in Vilamoura for the Portugal Masters, which starts tomorrow.
He is also here for meetings with local promoters and sponsors, possibly regarding future plans for the tournament, before moving on to Spain, where there are two events in the coming weeks.
