ALL OVER BAR THE POUTING, COL.Byline: Ken Lawrence WHEN the glad-handing stopped, reality kicked in for Scotland's Colin Montgomerie 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 and that familiar old scowl was back. As his second, disappointing round came to an end at Hazeltine National yesterday it only became clearer that his role as Ryder Cup Ryder Cup Biennial team golf event first held in 1927. It was originally played between teams of golfers from the U.S. and Britain; since 1979 players opposing the U.S. have been chosen from all of Europe. The trophy was donated by the British seed merchant Samuel Ryder. skipper may well offer the last big thrill of his career. Monty has taken to leadership of the European team like a duck to water. He has said and done all the right things, showing the kind of statesmanlike qualities not always associated with him when he was in his pomp POMP n. A drug used in cancer chemotherapy and composed of purinethol (6-mercaptopurine), Oncovin (vincristine sulfate), methotrexate, and prednisone. as a player. He has forgiven Sandy Lyle Alexander Walter Barr "Sandy" Lyle, MBE (born February 9, 1958) is a Scottish golfer. Lyle was born in Shrewsbury, England and represented Scotland during his professional career. Along with Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam, he became one of Britain's top golfers during the 1980s. for suggesting he cheated in Jakarta and throughout the build-up to the last Major of the year he had a nice day every day, with USPGA officials eating out of his hand. Come Thursday, that is, because by the time he stalked away in the evening he was already three over and the charming smile was gone. The Scot may become a great captain but as a competitor he no longer figures. His opening 75 was followed by the 78 that meant he'll have plenty of time this weekend to wear his other hat as the leader of next year's scrap with the USA. Monty never was going to grow old gracefully as a competitor - he has too much pride to quietly accept he has become an also-ran. And he intents going on until he is 52 before retiring. The 46-year-old said: "I'm exempt for all European Tour events right through to 2015 and that would take me to 52. So I'll still be playing in Europe on the fully-fledged European Tour. "If I feel that I would like to play in the odd senior event I might do so. "But at this stage I have no intention of playing seniors golf and I will finish my career when I'm 52 on the European Tour." Monty was not the only Scot to suffer yesterday. Glasgow's Alastair Forsyth made a good fist of his first round, carding a one-over 73. He had hoped to use the kinder conditions of yesterday morning to fire himself into contention but couldn't buy a birdie and shot 75. CAPTION(S): SCOWL: Montgomerie |
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