COLIN MONTGOMERIE’S first target in 2008 was to collect enough ranking points to squeeze into the field for the Masters. He looks to have failed there, barring a late invite) but it wasn't for the lack of trying.
Now he turns his attention to ensuring he’s in the Players and subsequently looking forward to the Major which has brought him most success, the US Open, and his favourite Major, The Open.
His whole season, though, will be played against a backdrop of one week in September - Ryder Cup week.
Whether Monty makes it to Valhalla or not looks to me like the story of the year, once Tiger’s Grand Slam dream expires, as it surely will (won’t it?).
It would be a great story in any set of circumstances but extra spice is provided by the fact his former foursomes partner Nick Faldo is Europe’s captain.
Quite what Monty was thinking of when he a) wasn’t a perfect team member on Faldo’s side at the Seve Trophy and b) returning fire when the GB and I skipper criticised him is beyond me.
All it has done is make the chance of another Ryder Cup appearance, the thing which gives him most pleasure in life, less likely.
Personalities aside - and let’s be frank, there are some huge personalities involved here - the key question is this: would YOU select Monty for the European side if he fails to qualify automatically?
Would you remember that he plays like a man possessed in European colours and select him despite indifferent form over the past two seasons?
Would you summise that, while Monty appeared scared of Tiger during their duel at The Open at St Andrews in 2005, if they were drawn together in Sunday’s singles at Valhalla the Scotsman would be giving an interview an hour before they locked horns in which he pretty much called the margin of his pre-ordained victory.
Or would you be thinking that his time has come. That he’s not one of Europe’s best 12 players any more. That his putting – the key to success in matchplay - is awful. And that he might not be the best team man.
If you’re Nick Faldo, would you pick him?
Chris Bertram
Now he turns his attention to ensuring he’s in the Players and subsequently looking forward to the Major which has brought him most success, the US Open, and his favourite Major, The Open.
His whole season, though, will be played against a backdrop of one week in September - Ryder Cup week.
Whether Monty makes it to Valhalla or not looks to me like the story of the year, once Tiger’s Grand Slam dream expires, as it surely will (won’t it?).
It would be a great story in any set of circumstances but extra spice is provided by the fact his former foursomes partner Nick Faldo is Europe’s captain.
Quite what Monty was thinking of when he a) wasn’t a perfect team member on Faldo’s side at the Seve Trophy and b) returning fire when the GB and I skipper criticised him is beyond me.
All it has done is make the chance of another Ryder Cup appearance, the thing which gives him most pleasure in life, less likely.
Personalities aside - and let’s be frank, there are some huge personalities involved here - the key question is this: would YOU select Monty for the European side if he fails to qualify automatically?
Would you remember that he plays like a man possessed in European colours and select him despite indifferent form over the past two seasons?
Would you summise that, while Monty appeared scared of Tiger during their duel at The Open at St Andrews in 2005, if they were drawn together in Sunday’s singles at Valhalla the Scotsman would be giving an interview an hour before they locked horns in which he pretty much called the margin of his pre-ordained victory.
Or would you be thinking that his time has come. That he’s not one of Europe’s best 12 players any more. That his putting – the key to success in matchplay - is awful. And that he might not be the best team man.
If you’re Nick Faldo, would you pick him?
Chris Bertram
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