Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has blamed fatigue for his decision to pull out of next week’s European Masters in Switzerland.

Montgomerie, who hasn't finished in the top ten in 14 months, made the announcement not to compete in Crans-sur-Sierre after finishing 31st in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The event in Switzerland marks the first round of qualifying for Ryder Cup hopefuls ahead of the competition at Celtic Manor next year but Montgomerie admitted he would rather put his feet up and watch.

“It has been a demanding three-week spell recently with travel to the United States and the Netherlands and now here in my role as championship chairman,” said Montgomerie – who will become the first Scottish Ryder Cup captain since Sam Torrance in 2002 next year.

“I have been watching more golf recently than I've ever done in the past and that will continue to be the case next week.

“I need a week to recharge my batteries but I will avidly tune in to all the coverage as the race for Ryder Cup points kicks off.”