With Darren Clarke expected to confirm to the European Tour’s tournament committee that he does not think the time is right for him, it appears to come down to Paul McGinley or Montgomerie for next year’s match at Gleneagles.

Olazabal, of course, led Europe to a thrilling comeback victory in Chicago in September after they had trailed 10-4.

“I would never do it again,” he told Press Association Sport in Durban, where he was competing in the Volvo Golf Champions.

“First of all it’s a lot of energy and time, a huge demand and the pressure is quite big.

“It’s a different pressure, not one we are used to out there playing on the course. The media scrutinise everything you say and every possibility.

“On top of that, I’ve done it and it couldn’t have been any better.

Even if it was held in Spain again somewhere down the line I wouldn’t do it.

“Monty has also done it and was successful too (at Celtic Manor in 2010). If I was him I wouldn’t do it again, but Monty is his own man.

“It’s being played in Scotland close to his home. It’s his decision.

“I am a strong believer that we have a generation of players that deserve the captaincy – and some might miss out because there are just too many.

“I think it’s right to give those guys a chance.”

McGinley and Clarke were long-time frontrunners for the next match, but on Friday Clarke said: “As much as I would dearly love to be captain this may not be my time”.