Colin Montgomerie: Eyeing Victory at Andalucian Open
A Memorable Start
A special week for Colin Montgomerie could become even more memorable after he began the Andalucian Open with a five-under-par 67 in Seville today. To mark his 500th European Tour event as a professional, the new Ryder Cup captain has already been presented with a cake, an engraved ice bucket, and some champagne.
Looking Towards Victory
His seven-birdie display means Montgomerie is now also eyeing up the possibility of a 32nd victory – and his first for nearly two years. ‘People say that being the Ryder Cup captain will hurt my game, but I think it will do the exact opposite,’ he said after a round which left him in joint second, only one behind fellow Scot Chris Doak.
Positive Outlook
‘I think it will improve my performances over this next year and a half. I’m very relaxed on the course, less uptight. I’ve thought about the captaincy every minute of every day since I was appointed, but it’s nice to show I can still compete out here at 45 and I look forward to going forward from here.’
Past Achievements
During his amazing run of seven successive Order of Merits in the 1990s, it was often said that other players were affected by a ‘Monty Factor’ whenever his name appeared on the leaderboard. ‘I don’t think it is so much the case now,’ he added.
Strong Start
Four birdies in his first six holes were the perfect early boost for Montgomerie as he aims for victory at Andalucian Open. After going in water for a bogey six at hole 16th, he made a 15-footer on hole 18th to turn in 32 and started strong on front nine by holing from twice as far.
Looking Ahead
At 137th in world rankings not even win would get Montgomerie into The Masters unless Augusta National invites him. Doak is another contender alongside Montgomerie with an impressive performance so