Barclays Scottish Open, Loch Lomond, 8-11 July
Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Scotland, with updates on BBC Radio 5 live Full coverage details

By Clive Lindsay BBC Scotland at Loch Lomond

There has never been a better time to be a European golfer, according to Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.

And the Scot believes US Open winner Graeme McDowell is the latest to take inspiration from Padraig Harrington.

"I feel that, after Padraig's success in 2007 and 2008, the Europeans have decided that, if he can do it, I can do it," said Montgomerie.

"The competition has increased all the standards and the more competition there is the higher the standards are."

It means that Montgomerie has what he believes is an unprecedented depth of talent chasing places in his Ryder Cup team.

The leading four players from the Ryder Cup World Points List will be automatically joined by the leading five players on the European points list and three captain's picks.

But, despite two recent victories in the United States and coming close to three wins in a row, Justin Rose is not yet an automatic choice.

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"It is a shame that he's not in there right now - he's number six," said the Scot, who apologised in advance of some difficult decisions ahead.

"That just proves the strength of what we have here.

"You've got Luke Donald, Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer and they are not on the world points list.

"And the top four are Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter.

"That is as strong an eight as you can get right there. And only four can play.

"I don't think any captain has had this dilemma before and I, unfortunately, am going to have to leave out some very, very good players, some winners on this year's circuit."

Others who could be left hoping for wild cards are Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson and in-form Welshman Rhys Davies, who Montgomerie suggests is the best putter in Europe.

The battle for places will again be high in the minds of those teeing off in Thursday's first round of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and Montgomerie is impressed by the intensity of the competition.

"I've never seen people practice so hard physically, mentally, on every aspect of the game as I've seen this year, especially, and last," said the eight-time European Order of Merit winner and one-time world number two.

McDowell was a winner at Loch Lomond in 2008

"I never worked, ever, as hard as these guys are right now on their games."

McDowell this week returns to competitive action for the first time since his success at Pebble Beach and to a tournament he won in 2008.

The Northern Irishman agreed with Montgomerie that Dubliner Harrington's two Open successes - and his USPGA win in 2008 - had been a motivation.

"Padraig Harrington was a world-class golfer, but 10 years ago he wasn't a world-class ball-striker, said McDowell.

"He always had the short game and mentality to do it. But, when you see a guy work as hard as he has and go win three major championships, it gives everyone belief.

"Because there are guys running around here who think they are more talented than Padraig as far as ball-striking and tee-to-green go and it goes to show what a strong mind and short game can achieve."

Montgomerie believes that McDowell's latest success can only further spur Europeans to success, perhaps at the Scottish Open and the Open itself next week, and the US Open champion agrees.

"Take Rory as an example," added McDowell. "I've never seen a guy so excited about next week.

"I played with him the weekend after I won at Pebble at Royal County Down and he told me he pulled out (of playing Loch Lomond) this week - I inspired him and he wanted to get ready for St Andrews.

"He wants to get ready for next week and now believes he can win majors, quickly."

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