Today
Colin Montgomerie steps up to the tee at the Turkish Airlines Open, marking his 600th European Tour Event. A feat only six other golfers have achieved.
Speaking ahead of this morning’s first round, Montgomerie told Sky Sports, “It’s taken 27 years to achieve, it’s been a long walk but a very, very good one and a very successful one so I’ve been very fortunate.”
Since his first professional appearance back in 1986, the Scotsman has enjoyed varied success over the years with 31 Tour victories, including three consecutive PGA Championships.
“The highlights [of my career] I suppose were the 1998, 99 and 2000 PGA wins down at Wentworth, when you win that tournament three times in a row that will be the highlight of it,” said Montgomerie.
Adding, “I could talk all day about certain tournaments and certain wins I suppose, but I would always go back to the three PGA wins I managed to achieve.”
Nowadays the former Ryder Cup Captain plays a reduced European Tour schedule, instead favouring the senior Champions Tour where the 51-year-old is currently ranked number two on the money list.
This week, however, Montgomerie is hoping to keep up with the younger set in Antalya. And what better place to mark such an incredible milestone than at his very own-designed Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Course.
“I’ll be doing my best to compete and if I can hole out and putt well, like any golfer knows, if you putt well then you have opportunities.”
