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'''Colin Stuart Montgomerie, [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]''' (born [[June 23]], [[1963]]) is a [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[professional golfer]] often referred to by his nickname 'Monty'. He has had one of the finest careers in [[European Tour]] history, having won a record eight [[PGA European Tour#Order of Merit winners|Order of Merit]] titles including a streak of seven consecutively from 1993 to 1999. He is renowned also for both his extraordinary [[Ryder Cup]] performances as well as the dubious distinction of being the greatest player never have to won a [[Men's major golf championships|major championship]] after finishing runner-up on five occasions.
'''Colin Stuart Montgomerie, [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]''' (born [[June 23]], [[1963]]) is a [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[professional golfer]] often referred to by his nickname 'Monty'. He has had one of the finest careers in [[European Tour]] history, having won a record eight [[PGA European Tour#Order of Merit winners|Order of Merit]] titles including a streak of seven consecutively from 1993 to 1999. He is renowned also for both his extraordinary [[Ryder Cup]] performances as well as the dubious distinction of being the greatest player never have to won a [[Men's major golf championships|major championship]] after finishing runner-up on five occasions.


==Early years==
==Biography==

Although Scottish by birth and ethnicity, he was raised in [[Yorkshire]], [[England]], where his father James was a corporate manager. Colin spent a number of years at the Ilkley Golf Club where he was tutored by the past professional Bill Ferguson. He was educated at both [[Leeds Grammar School]] and [[Strathallan School]], [[Perthshire]]. His father would later become the secretary of [[Royal Troon Golf Club]], one of Scotland's most famous clubs. Montgomerie became one of the first [[United Kingdom|British]] golfers to go to a [[United States]] college, attending [[Houston Baptist University]]. In later years, many top young British golfers (e.g., [[Luke Donald]]) would follow Monty's path to United States universities.
Although Scottish by birth and ethnicity, he was raised in [[Yorkshire]], [[England]], where his father James was a corporate manager. Colin spent a number of years at the Ilkley Golf Club where he was tutored by the past professional Bill Ferguson. He was educated at both [[Leeds Grammar School]] and [[Strathallan School]], [[Perthshire]]. His father would later become the secretary of [[Royal Troon Golf Club]], one of Scotland's most famous clubs. Montgomerie became one of the first [[United Kingdom|British]] golfers to go to a [[United States]] college, attending [[Houston Baptist University]]. In later years, many top young British golfers (e.g., [[Luke Donald]]) would follow Monty's path to United States universities.


He won three important Scottish amateur tournaments — the 1983 Scottish Youths Championship, the 1985 Scottish Stroke Play Championship, and the 1987 Scottish Amateur Championship. He also played for Scotland twice in the [[Eisenhower Trophy]] (1984 and 1986) and for Great Britain and Ireland in the [[Walker Cup]] twice (1985 and 1987).
He won three important Scottish amateur tournaments — the 1983 Scottish Youths Championship, the 1985 Scottish Stroke Play Championship, and the 1987 Scottish Amateur Championship. He also played for Scotland twice in the [[Eisenhower Trophy]] (1984 and 1986) and for Great Britain and Ireland in the [[Walker Cup]] twice (1985 and 1987).


==Career outline==
===Career outline===


Montgomerie turned professional in 1988, and was named the Rookie of the Year on the European Tour that season. He quickly developed into one of Europe's top pros, making his [[Ryder Cup]] debut in 1991. He finished first on the [[European Tour#Order of Merit winners|European Tour Order of Merit]] every year from 1993 to 1999 (a record for most consecutive Orders of Merit) and has thirty victories on the tour, including the 1998, 1999, and 2000 European PGA Championships. He first reached the top 10 in the [[Official World Golf Rankings]] in 1994 and was ranked number 2 at his peak. In his prime Montgomerie was considered one of the best drivers of the golf ball in the world and became a very precise iron player, often able to judge the distance he hit the ball exactly from long range.
Montgomerie turned professional in 1988, and was named the Rookie of the Year on the European Tour that season. He quickly developed into one of Europe's top pros, making his [[Ryder Cup]] debut in 1991. He finished first on the [[European Tour#Order of Merit winners|European Tour Order of Merit]] every year from 1993 to 1999 (a record for most consecutive Orders of Merit) and has thirty victories on the tour, including the 1998, 1999, and 2000 European PGA Championships. He first reached the top 10 in the [[Official World Golf Rankings]] in 1994 and was ranked number 2 at his peak. In his prime Montgomerie was considered one of the best drivers of the golf ball in the world and became a very precise iron player, often able to judge the distance he hit the ball exactly from long range.


His form fell away gradually in the new millennium, partly due to marriage problems, and his ranking slumped to 82nd in the world, but he came back strongly in 2005, winning a record eighth European Tour Order of Merit and returning to the top ten in the World Rankings. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4498444.stm] Late in 2005 he became the first man to win 20 million [[Euro]]s on the European Tour - topping the European Tour's all time highest earners list. In February 2006 he agreed to a clean break divorce settlement of £15 million, in return for his ex-wife giving up any claim on his future earnings.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4672782.stm]
His form fell away gradually in the new millennium, partly due to marriage problems, and his ranking slumped to 82nd in the world, but he came back strongly in 2005, winning a record eighth European Tour Order of Merit and returning to the top ten in the World Rankings. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4498444.stm] Late in 2005 he became the first man to win 20 million [[Euro]]s on the European Tour - topping the European Tour's all time highest earners list.


After reforming his partnerhsip with caddie Alastair McLean in [[2004]], the pair spilt again on [[10 June]], a week before the start of the [[US Open]]. The reasons were claimed to have been brought to a head by his poor showing at the [[Austrian Open]], and a third round 73 at the [[Welsh Open]].<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/6738611.stm</ref>
After reforming his partnerhsip with caddie Alastair McLean in [[2004]], the pair spilt again on [[10 June]], a week before the start of the [[US Open]]. The reasons were claimed to have been brought to a head by his poor showing at the [[Austrian Open]], and a third round 73 at the [[Welsh Open]].<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/6738611.stm</ref>
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At the end of 2004, Montgomerie was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the [[British honours system|New Year's Honours]]. He represents the [[Turnberry]] resort in Scotland, where there is a Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy.
At the end of 2004, Montgomerie was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the [[British honours system|New Year's Honours]]. He represents the [[Turnberry]] resort in Scotland, where there is a Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy.


==Major Championships==
===Major Championships===
Montgomerie is generally considered to be the best golfer never to have won a major championship after finishing in second place on 5 separate occasions (The most runner up finishes for any player never to have won a major). During what most consider to be his best years in the 1990’s Montgomerie had several close shaves. A third place at the 1991 US Open would trigger several good performances in the event over the coming years.

Montgomerie is generally considered to be the best golfer never to have won a major
championship after finishing in second place on 5 separate occasions (The most runner up finishes for any player never to have won a major). During what most consider
to be his best years in the 1990’s Montgomerie had several close shaves. A third place at the
1991 US Open would trigger several good performances in the event over the coming years.
Indeed, it is at the US Open where Montgomerie has certainly come closest to breaking his major
Indeed, it is at the US Open where Montgomerie has certainly come closest to breaking his major
duck. He lost in a 3- man play-off to Ernie Els in 1994 at Oakmont (a play-off which also
duck. He lost in a 3- man play-off to Ernie Els in 1994 at Oakmont (a play-off which also
Line 75: Line 70:
2005 where he finished second to Tiger Woods, who beat him by 5 shots.
2005 where he finished second to Tiger Woods, who beat him by 5 shots.


==Ryder Cup and other team golf==
===Ryder Cup and other team golf===


[[Image:ColinMontgomerie2004RyderCup.jpg|thumb|Montgomerie practicing before the [[2004 Ryder Cup]]]]
[[Image:ColinMontgomerie2004RyderCup.jpg|thumb|Montgomerie practicing before the [[2004 Ryder Cup]]]]
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Montgomerie captained the Great Britain & Ireland team in the first four stagings of the Seve Trophy, losing in 2000 but winning in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Montgomerie captained the Great Britain & Ireland team in the first four stagings of the Seve Trophy, losing in 2000 but winning in 2002, 2003 and 2005.


==Relationship with the golfing public==
===Relationship with the golfing public===


Montgomerie has often come under fire for his attitude on the golf course. He has throughout his career marshalled the galleries somewhat when they are unsettled where as other players tend to try and ignore restlessness in the crowds. This has certainly been evident when Montgomerie is not playing well and it could be said his lack of focus has lead to continued poor play during that particular round. Despite this Montgomerie has become one of golfing public's most popular golfers, and remains the fan favourite at the Open Championship, especially when it is held in Scotland.
Montgomerie has often come under fire for his attitude on the golf course. He has throughout his career marshalled the galleries somewhat when they are unsettled where as other players tend to try and ignore restlessness in the crowds. This has certainly been evident when Montgomerie is not playing well and it could be said his lack of focus has lead to continued poor play during that particular round. Despite this Montgomerie has become one of golfing public's most popular golfers, and remains the fan favourite at the Open Championship, especially when it is held in Scotland.
Line 89: Line 84:


Montgomerie's struggle to get on with the american galleries is often cited as perhaps the reason he has failed to match his success in Europe with success in the United States.
Montgomerie's struggle to get on with the american galleries is often cited as perhaps the reason he has failed to match his success in Europe with success in the United States.

==Personal life===
Montgomery met his Scottish ex-wfe Eimear when he was a good amatuer and she was a promotions assistant. The couple had three children, and lived in a house adjacent to [[Wentworth golf course]] in Surrey. In February [[2006]] the couple agreed a clean break divorce settlement of £15 million, in return for his ex-wife giving up any claim on his future earnings.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4672782.stm</ref><ref>http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news06/colin_montgomerie.html</ref>


==European Tour wins (30)==
==European Tour wins (30)==

Revision as of 15:26, 10 June 2007

Colin Montgomerie
Personal information
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Sporting nationality United Kingdom
ResidenceEngland Oxshott, Surrey, England
Career
CollegeHouston Baptist University
Highest ranking2 (17 March 1996)[1]

Colin Stuart Montgomerie, OBE (born June 23, 1963) is a Scottish professional golfer often referred to by his nickname 'Monty'. He has had one of the finest careers in European Tour history, having won a record eight Order of Merit titles including a streak of seven consecutively from 1993 to 1999. He is renowned also for both his extraordinary Ryder Cup performances as well as the dubious distinction of being the greatest player never have to won a major championship after finishing runner-up on five occasions.

Biography

Although Scottish by birth and ethnicity, he was raised in Yorkshire, England, where his father James was a corporate manager. Colin spent a number of years at the Ilkley Golf Club where he was tutored by the past professional Bill Ferguson. He was educated at both Leeds Grammar School and Strathallan School, Perthshire. His father would later become the secretary of Royal Troon Golf Club, one of Scotland's most famous clubs. Montgomerie became one of the first British golfers to go to a United States college, attending Houston Baptist University. In later years, many top young British golfers (e.g., Luke Donald) would follow Monty's path to United States universities.

He won three important Scottish amateur tournaments — the 1983 Scottish Youths Championship, the 1985 Scottish Stroke Play Championship, and the 1987 Scottish Amateur Championship. He also played for Scotland twice in the Eisenhower Trophy (1984 and 1986) and for Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup twice (1985 and 1987).

Career outline

Montgomerie turned professional in 1988, and was named the Rookie of the Year on the European Tour that season. He quickly developed into one of Europe's top pros, making his Ryder Cup debut in 1991. He finished first on the European Tour Order of Merit every year from 1993 to 1999 (a record for most consecutive Orders of Merit) and has thirty victories on the tour, including the 1998, 1999, and 2000 European PGA Championships. He first reached the top 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings in 1994 and was ranked number 2 at his peak. In his prime Montgomerie was considered one of the best drivers of the golf ball in the world and became a very precise iron player, often able to judge the distance he hit the ball exactly from long range.

His form fell away gradually in the new millennium, partly due to marriage problems, and his ranking slumped to 82nd in the world, but he came back strongly in 2005, winning a record eighth European Tour Order of Merit and returning to the top ten in the World Rankings. [1] Late in 2005 he became the first man to win 20 million Euros on the European Tour - topping the European Tour's all time highest earners list.

After reforming his partnerhsip with caddie Alastair McLean in 2004, the pair spilt again on 10 June, a week before the start of the US Open. The reasons were claimed to have been brought to a head by his poor showing at the Austrian Open, and a third round 73 at the Welsh Open.[2]

At the end of 2004, Montgomerie was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year's Honours. He represents the Turnberry resort in Scotland, where there is a Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy.

Major Championships

Montgomerie is generally considered to be the best golfer never to have won a major championship after finishing in second place on 5 separate occasions (The most runner up finishes for any player never to have won a major). During what most consider to be his best years in the 1990’s Montgomerie had several close shaves. A third place at the 1991 US Open would trigger several good performances in the event over the coming years. Indeed, it is at the US Open where Montgomerie has certainly come closest to breaking his major duck. He lost in a 3- man play-off to Ernie Els in 1994 at Oakmont (a play-off which also included Loren Roberts). Famously Montgomerie was left with only one shirt to play in during the Monday play-off, a dark tartan design, which did not help his course in the very hot playing conditions. He shot 78 to Els and Roberts 74, Els eventually winning at the 20th extra hole.

Ernie Els was once again to get the better of Montgomerie 3 years later at Congressional Golf Club. Montgomerie’s 65 in the opening round is considered to be one of the finest rounds in US Open history, but a bogey on the 71st hole 3 rounds later sent Montgomerie 1 behind Els who parred the last to win.

It is at the 2006 US Open however where Montgomerie had his best chance to win his elusive first major. He stood in the middle of the 18th fairway in the final round having sunk a 50 foot birdie putt on the previous green which took him into the lead. During the wait on the 18th fairway for the group in front to finish Montgomerie switched his club from a six iron to a seven, assuming adrenaline would kick in. He hit a poor shot, coming up short and right into the thick rough. He pitched on and then 3 putted from 30 feet to lose the tournament by 1 stroke.

At the 1995 USPGA championship Montgomerie birdied the last 3 holes of the Riviera course in the final round to tie Elkington at 17 under par. In the play-off after hitting the better drive and second Montgomerie missed his putt where Elkington holed from 35 feet to pip him seemingly unfairly to the post.

Montgomerie has never performed well at the Masters tournament, his best finish being tied 8th in 1998. Some would say not surprisingly as great putting is not a strong feature of his game (this generally considered to be imperative in performing well at Augusta).

At the Open Championship it is only in recent years that Montgomerie has shown signs of competing at this championship. He started brightly in 2001 at Lytham and St Annes with an opening 65 and still remained ahead after 36 holes, but fell away over the weekend. He was also in contention with 2 rounds to play at Muirfield in 2002 and Troon 2004, but failed to capitalise and finished mid way down the field. His best finish in the Championship came in 2005 where he finished second to Tiger Woods, who beat him by 5 shots.

Ryder Cup and other team golf

Montgomerie practicing before the 2004 Ryder Cup

Despite his dissapointments in the majors Montgomerie is heralded as one of the greatest Ryder Cup players of all time. To date he has been a member of the european team on 8 occasions and has never lost in a singles match. The pinnacle of his Ryder Cup career came in 2004 where he sank the winning putt on the final green to beat David Toms by one hole.

Montgomerie captained the Great Britain & Ireland team in the first four stagings of the Seve Trophy, losing in 2000 but winning in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Relationship with the golfing public

Montgomerie has often come under fire for his attitude on the golf course. He has throughout his career marshalled the galleries somewhat when they are unsettled where as other players tend to try and ignore restlessness in the crowds. This has certainly been evident when Montgomerie is not playing well and it could be said his lack of focus has lead to continued poor play during that particular round. Despite this Montgomerie has become one of golfing public's most popular golfers, and remains the fan favourite at the Open Championship, especially when it is held in Scotland.

It is in America however where Montgomerie has endured major problems. Through the late 1990's and early millennium he was the main focus for hecklers on the golf course, often being deliberately put off by the american crowds. This started at the 1997 US Open where Montgomerie reacted to several drunken fans abuse after a rain delay. Since then he has been seen as an easy target, particularly in Ryder Cups, often with the nick name Mrs. Doubtfire. Over the past few years it seems that Montgomerie has won over the american crowds somewhat, perhaps out of respect to his excellent Ryder Cup performances.

Montgomerie's struggle to get on with the american galleries is often cited as perhaps the reason he has failed to match his success in Europe with success in the United States.

Personal life=

Montgomery met his Scottish ex-wfe Eimear when he was a good amatuer and she was a promotions assistant. The couple had three children, and lived in a house adjacent to Wentworth golf course in Surrey. In February 2006 the couple agreed a clean break divorce settlement of £15 million, in return for his ex-wife giving up any claim on his future earnings.[3][4]

European Tour wins (30)

Montgomerie also came first in the Volvo Bonus Pool every year from 1993 to 1998. The Volvo Bonus Pool was an extra tranche of prize money awarded at the end of each European Tour season from 1988 to 1998 to the regular members of the tour who had had the best performances over the season.

Other professional wins (8)

Amateur wins

  • 1983 Scottish Youths Championship
  • 1985 Scottish Stroke Play Championship
  • 1987 Scottish Amateur Championship

Results in major championships

Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
The Masters DNP DNP T37 T52 CUT T17 T39 T30 T8 T11
U.S. Open DNP DNP 3 T33 2 T28 T10 2 T18 T15
The Open Championship T48 T26 CUT CUT T8 CUT CUT T24 CUT T15
PGA Championship DNP DNP T33 CUT T36 2 CUT T13 T44 T6
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
The Masters T19 CUT T14 CUT CUT DNP CUT CUT
U.S. Open T46 T52 CUT T42 DNP T42 T2
The Open Championship T26 T13 82 WD T25 2 CUT
PGA Championship T39 DQ CUT CUT 70 CUT CUT

DNP = did not play
CUT = missed the half-way cut
WD = withdrew
DQ = disqualified
"T" = tied
Yellow background for top-10.

Team appearances

Amateur

Professional

See also

External links

  1. ^ "Week 11 1996 Ending 17 Mar 1996" (pdf). OWGR. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  2. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/6738611.stm
  3. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/4672782.stm
  4. ^ http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news06/colin_montgomerie.html
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