COLIN MONTGOMERIE has been told the region's passion for golf could prove the difference between winning and losing when the Seve Trophy arrives at The Wynyard next week.

The Great Britain & Ireland captain has had a word in the ear of his brother, who lives on Tyneside, and is expecting plenty of patriotism as his team try to overcome the rest of Europe for the third successive time.

It is the first occasion such a competition has paid a visit to the North-East and Montgomerie is eager to make sure the spectators who turn up to watch witness a home win.

Over 30,000 have turned out to witness previous competitions at Sunningdale, Druid's Glen and Valencia's El Saler and hopes are high for a decent turn out at Tees Valley.

"Playing up here certainly means one thing: I'll benefit from some family support, as my brother lives in Gosforth," said Montgomerie, who was brought up in Yorkshire.

"He has told me how much the passionate local sports fans are looking forward to this event.

"I hope the Great Britain & Ireland team can give them something to cheer about. We won a hard-fought victory in Valencia two years ago and I am determined to hold on to the trophy we first captured at Druid's Glen in 2002. However, it won't be easy and the matches are sure to be close."

One duel which will hog the limelight is the captains' singles contest on Sunday, September 25, when Montgomerie and Olazabal will renew an old rivalry on the greens.

The Spaniard got his hands on the British Amateur Championship 21 years ago at Formby after edging out the Scot in the matchplay final.

Both men also earned top-three placings in this year's Open Championship at St Andrews behind Tiger Woods in the battle for the Claret Jug.

Montgomerie's record in the Seve - he has won six and lost seven matches - is far from perfect but he is hoping his display when Great Britain & Ireland defeated the United States in the Ryder Cup last year will aid his cause.

"As my form at Oakland Hills (Ryder Cup 2004) suggests, I really enjoy playing as a member of a team and in the match play format," said Montgomerie, who will first arrive in the North-East for the practice day on Monday ahead of the start of the four-day event on Thursday.

"It combines good natured rivalry with good camaraderie, which makes it a special golfing experience. My match with my rival captain, Jose Maria, should also be fantastic, not least because he came out on top of our last head-to-head in 1984 (British Amateur). I hope to balance the books on the Sunday."

Olazabal, too, is relishing the prospect of playing at The Wynyard for the first time and leading the European team in Seve Ballesteros' absence through injury.

The two-time US Masters champion has played in all three Seve Trophy contests, winning five of his 14 matches, losing six.

Olazabal said: "To follow Seve as captain of the Continental Europe team is a daunting prospect but one I see as a tremendous personal challenge."

Tickets are available via the web on www.sevetrophy2005.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phoning 0870 6021121 or by going to the kiosks at The Wynyard during the course of the week.