Scot Colin Montgomerie was left fuming at the Irish Open yesterday after today's first round playing partner Rory McIlroy rubbished the Ryder Cup.

Monty will skipper Europe in next year's event at Celtic Manor but rookie McIlroy risked the wrath of the Scot by describing the Ryder Cup as nothing more than an 'exhibition'.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland star, who is tipped to qualify for the 2010 Ryder Cup, has promised not to play additional tournaments in the run up to Celtic Manor in order to chase up ranking points.

"It's an exhibition. In the big scheme of things, it's not that important an event for me," said McIroy.

"If I play well enough, I play well enough. And if I don't then so be it."

Montgomerie, who played down rumours the pair would go to war this week in Ireland, hit back at the young Irishman, saying: It's not an exhibition and it never will be.

"It's a very unique, special event. Please don't say Monty and Rory are having a war here.

"Rory will understand when, and not if, he is a Ryder Cup player.

"He'll understand the pressures involved and the whole scenario of the Ryder Cup will hit him very hard."