Latest news with #Montgomerie
The National
5 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Scottish Strokeplay Championship returns to North Berwick
Boris Becker, a smash-hit of a 17-year-old from Germany, would become the youngest Wimbledon champion that summer. A couple of weeks before his conquest at the All England Club, Becker romped to his first top-level triumph in the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club. His win wasn't enough to earn top billing in the sports pages of the Glasgow Herald that June weekend, mind you. Above a report of Becker's barnstorming breakthrough down in West Kensington was the headline act of Colin Montgomerie and his five-shot procession in the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at North Berwick and Dunbar. One likes to imagine that a 21-year-old Monty flicked through the pages of said newspaper, caught a glimpse of Becker's feat underneath his own write up and said, 'all credit to him' in that phrase of praise that would become a bit of a trademark. Or perhaps he chirped, 'all credit to me' before pinning the cutting on to his wall of fame with gleeful gusto? Here in 2025, the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship returns to East Lothian again this weekend as the West Links at North Berwick stages the event for the first time since it co-hosted back in 1985. The decades hurtle by, don't they? 'Is it really 40 years?,' gasped Montgomerie of this passage of time. It sure is. Back in the day, a young Montgomerie had already underlined his potential by winning the Scottish Youths' title in 1983 before losing to a certain Jose Maria Olazabal in the final of the Amateur Championship at Formby a year later. 'Now on the Champions Tour, my parking spot at events is next to Jose Maria and he still mentions the Amateur Championship 40 years on,' smiled Monty of the Spaniard's gentle ribbing. In 1985, Montgomerie was a 21-year-old student at Houston Baptist University in Texas and arrived back on home soil for the Scottish Strokeplay Championship as one of the favourites. He justified that standing with a fine display of poise, polish and purpose on the east coast and eased to a victory which, at the time, was the biggest of his fledgling career. 'I'd just come back from American college and was playing better and better,' he reflected. 'I went into that event as one of the favourites and thankfully got the job done. 'The strokeplay was one of the big two amateur titles that I wanted on my CV and in 1987 I was able to win the Scottish Amateur Matchplay at Nairn. 'But I was thrilled to win that first title and it sent me on a really strong run for a few years.' That success at Dunbar in '85 helped Montgomerie secure a place in the GB&I Walker Cup team and he would retain his spot in the side two years later before making the leap into the pro ranks not long after. The rest is history. 'I look back very fondly on my amateur career,' said Monty, who was the European Tour's rookie of the year in 1988 and won his first title on the circuit the following season in Portugal by a whopping 11-shots. 'When I turned pro in September 1987, I very quickly had to go from trying to beat Sandy Stephen, George Macgregor and Ian Brotherston – all very good players - to coming up against Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle.' A new generation, including reigning Scottish Amateur Matchplay champion Alexander Farmer, will tackle the delights, the rigours and the charming quirks of North Berwick over the next three days with an international field of 144 players gathering for this terrific links test. They'll be hard pressed to put on a show like Englishman Dominic Clemons did in the championship 12 months ago. Just along the A198 at Muirfield, Clemons conjured a quite remarkable performance that left onlookers scraping their jaws off the ground as he brought the formidable Open venue to its knees with a 24-under total. His closing day rounds of 65 and 62 gave Clemons a record-busting 17-stroke win which blitzed the previous best of eight set by Barclay Howard in 1997 and matched by Tommy Fleetwood in 2009. All credit to him, as Monty might have said.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Strokeplay Championship returns to North Berwick
A couple of weeks before his conquest at the All England Club, Becker romped to his first top-level triumph in the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club. His win wasn't enough to earn top billing in the sports pages of the Glasgow Herald that June weekend, mind you. Above a report of Becker's barnstorming breakthrough down in West Kensington was the headline act of Colin Montgomerie and his five-shot procession in the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at North Berwick and Dunbar. One likes to imagine that a 21-year-old Monty flicked through the pages of said newspaper, caught a glimpse of Becker's feat underneath his own write up and said, 'all credit to him' in that phrase of praise that would become a bit of a trademark. Or perhaps he chirped, 'all credit to me' before pinning the cutting on to his wall of fame with gleeful gusto? Here in 2025, the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship returns to East Lothian again this weekend as the West Links at North Berwick stages the event for the first time since it co-hosted back in 1985. The decades hurtle by, don't they? 'Is it really 40 years?,' gasped Montgomerie of this passage of time. It sure is. Back in the day, a young Montgomerie had already underlined his potential by winning the Scottish Youths' title in 1983 before losing to a certain Jose Maria Olazabal in the final of the Amateur Championship at Formby a year later. 'Now on the Champions Tour, my parking spot at events is next to Jose Maria and he still mentions the Amateur Championship 40 years on,' smiled Monty of the Spaniard's gentle ribbing. In 1985, Montgomerie was a 21-year-old student at Houston Baptist University in Texas and arrived back on home soil for the Scottish Strokeplay Championship as one of the favourites. He justified that standing with a fine display of poise, polish and purpose on the east coast and eased to a victory which, at the time, was the biggest of his fledgling career. 'I'd just come back from American college and was playing better and better,' he reflected. 'I went into that event as one of the favourites and thankfully got the job done. 'The strokeplay was one of the big two amateur titles that I wanted on my CV and in 1987 I was able to win the Scottish Amateur Matchplay at Nairn. 'But I was thrilled to win that first title and it sent me on a really strong run for a few years.' That success at Dunbar in '85 helped Montgomerie secure a place in the GB&I Walker Cup team and he would retain his spot in the side two years later before making the leap into the pro ranks not long after. The rest is history. 'I look back very fondly on my amateur career,' said Monty, who was the European Tour's rookie of the year in 1988 and won his first title on the circuit the following season in Portugal by a whopping 11-shots. 'When I turned pro in September 1987, I very quickly had to go from trying to beat Sandy Stephen, George Macgregor and Ian Brotherston – all very good players - to coming up against Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle.' A new generation, including reigning Scottish Amateur Matchplay champion Alexander Farmer, will tackle the delights, the rigours and the charming quirks of North Berwick over the next three days with an international field of 144 players gathering for this terrific links test. They'll be hard pressed to put on a show like Englishman Dominic Clemons did in the championship 12 months ago. Just along the A198 at Muirfield, Clemons conjured a quite remarkable performance that left onlookers scraping their jaws off the ground as he brought the formidable Open venue to its knees with a 24-under total. His closing day rounds of 65 and 62 gave Clemons a record-busting 17-stroke win which blitzed the previous best of eight set by Barclay Howard in 1997 and matched by Tommy Fleetwood in 2009. All credit to him, as Monty might have said.
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
It's been 30 years since Colin Montgomerie's PGA Championship heartbreak at Riviera
It's been 30 years since Colin Montgomerie's PGA Championship heartbreak at Riviera Whenever there's a mention of Colin Montgomerie and major championships, it tends to provoke the kind of grimacing shudder you'd get from a toddler reluctantly slurping a teaspoon of cod liver oil. Near misses, close shaves and ones that got away? Heartbreak was such a common theme of Monty's futile mission for a major moment, he just about had a loyalty card for that well-kept hotel down at the end of Lonely Street. 'We've got your usual en-suite, Mr. Montgomerie.' As the closing round of the weather-delayed PGA Championship was set to unravel Sunday at Quail Hollow, those across the pond will be watching on and listening to the sing-song delivery of Sky television's lead commentator, Ewen Murray, putting another major championship to bed. Colin Montgomerie forced playoff with Elkington Thirty years ago in 1995, Murray was working himself and everyone else into a giddy fankle as Montgomerie put all and sundry through the wringer during a nail-nibbling, nerve-shredding and ultimately agonising finale to the PGA Championship at storied Riviera in Los Angeles. 'Oh, he's got it,' roared Murray as Monty trundled in a raking birdie putt from 20 feet on the final hole to force a play-off with Australia's Steve Elkington. 'Oh yes. Oh yes. What a finish from Colin Montgomerie.' It certainly was. With a valiant, do-or-die charge that could've earned him a medal, Montgomerie, who was five off the 54-hole pace set by Ernie Els, birdied the 16th, 17th and 18th in a thrilling 65, which left the Scot tied at the top with Elkington on 17-under. Elkington was no final-round slouch either. He blasted a 64 to barge his way to the front. 'The round of my life,' he gasped. Back to the 18th they would go for the sudden-death shoot-out. "It's a terrible feeling when someone makes a long putt to tie you and put it into a playoff," Elkington added. "But you re-group and you try to birdie the first hole." And he did, the rascal. Elkington, with a similar putt to the one Montgomerie had holed in regulation, knocked it in from about 20 feet. Monty, from just inside his rival, narrowly missed on the right and the vast Wanamaker Trophy ended up in the clutches of the Aussie. Loss was one of many for Motgomerie in majors A couple of years after losing out to the aforementioned Els in a three-man play-off for the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Montgomerie was left nursing another wound. 'So near and yet so far for Colin Montgomerie,' said Murray with a lament that could've been accompanied by the sombre skirl of a lone piper. 'It's so sad there has to be a loser. He's taken it on the chin a few times in the last couple of years. But he'll come back for more.' You couldn't keep Monty down. At the 1997 U.S. Open at Congressional, he was right in the merry midst of it again, but a bogey on the 71st hole dropped him from a tie for the lead, and he lost by a single shot to Els. In the 2006 U.S. Open, meanwhile, a chaotic conclusion saw Monty rack up a shattering double-bogey from a perfect spot in the 18th fairway at Winged Foot and he eventually finished joint second, just a stroke behind Geoff Ogilvy. A faded 7-iron into the last was a trademark shot that Monty had built a garlanded career on. It failed him when it mattered the most, though, as he caught it heavy and watched his ball plunge into the unforgiving greenside rough. 'I messed up,' he grumbled in the gloomy aftermath. Elkington won the Wanamaker in 1995, Monty didn't lose it Monty's 1995 PGA Championship disappointment, of course, was a very different loss. 'He (Elkington) won the tournament, I did not lose the tournament,' he said at the time through gritted teeth. 'All I can say about myself is that I did nothing wrong. I was standing on the 18th fairway when he finished, and I knew I needed a birdie. I take it as a positive that I achieved that.' Montgomerie's defeat to Elkington was the Ryder Cup talisman's fifth successive play-off loss in all competitions. 'It went through my mind, my play-off record, and I felt the law of averages had to take effect sometime,' he said. 'I felt that it was my turn. But it wasn't to be. 'What did I think when he sank his putt for a birdie (in the play-off? Well, I've played enough golf to expect the unexpected. I was hoping he doesn't do that sort of thing. But he did. And all credit to him.' The PGA Championship would be Elkington's one and only major triumph. "The first one is always the hardest one, they say," Elkington said. Poor old Monty would've agreed with that.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kilmarnock FC sign Armed Forces Convenant at poignant ceremony
The club reaffirmed their respect and support for those who serve and have served in the British Armed Forces Kilmarnock Football Club has formally signed the the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming the club's long-standing respect and support for the men and women who serve, or have served, in the British Armed Forces. The poignant ceremony took place in the club's 1869 Suite and was attended by representatives of East Ayrshire Council, including Provost Claire Leitch, and several dignitaries from the Armed Forces community. The event was hosted by Club Ambassador Raymond Montgomerie, who welcomed guests with a heartfelt tribute to the club's enduring connection to the Armed Forces, dating back over a century. 'On behalf of all the directors and staff at Kilmarnock Football Club, I'd like to offer you a warm welcome to Rugby Park for this important occasion,' said Montgomerie. 'Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is not just a formality – it's a promise. A promise that this club will stand beside our Armed Forces community, not just in word but in action.' Montgomerie spoke movingly about the club's wartime legacy, recalling how Rugby Park was requisitioned by the government during WWII to serve as a munitions dump, and how the club gave a £1,000 interest-free loan to the war effort – never repaid, but never regretted. 'This club gave more than just players to the front lines,' he said. 'We gave our ground, our resources, our support – and, sadly, we lost some of our own who played for this badge before fighting for their country. That history is not forgotten here. It's part of who we are.' A particularly emotional highlight of the day was the presentation of the Colonel's Certificate, awarded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, to Jock Murdoch, a 99-year-old former Kilmarnock goalkeeper and one of only four surviving Scots Guardsmen from WWII. The award was presented by Eddie Edmonstone, Chairman of the Scots Guards Association, and Colin Downie in honour of Mr Murdoch's exceptional service. 'Jock isn't just a former Killie player – he's a hero,' Montgomerie said. 'At 99 years old, he represents a generation whose courage and resilience shaped our world. It was a true privilege to welcome him back to Rugby Park and to recognise his service.' Guests then moved to the club's Memorial Garden, established in 2021 to honour the former players killed in the World Wars. Rev James McNay, Club Chaplain, led a solemn service before returning to the 1869 Suite for the signing ceremony. The official signing of the Armed Forces Covenant was conducted by Club Directors Billy Bowie, Phyllis Carroll, and Cathy Jamieson, signalling the club's ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and their families. Councillor Jim Todd, East Ayrshire Council's Armed Forces Champion and a Royal Navy veteran, emphasised the impact of the Covenant: 'This is about recognition, respect, and responsibility. For far too long, our Armed Forces community served without expecting thanks. The Covenant changes that – and by signing it today, Kilmarnock FC shows what true community leadership looks like.' Montgomerie closed the event with one final reflection: 'We're more than just a football club. We're a part of this town's fabric, and part of its legacy. That includes the proud tradition of service to our country. Today we reaffirm that we don't forget – and we do care.'
Epoch Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Labour Minister Lucy Powell ‘Mortified' Over Grooming Gangs Remarks
Lucy Powell is 'mortified' after she made comments that appeared to describe grooming gangs as a 'dog whistle,' her Cabinet colleague Wes Streeting has said. The leader of the House of Commons was on BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions' programme on Friday night with Conservative Party Co-Chairman Nigel Huddleston, Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, and political commentator and Reform UK member Tim Montgomerie when she was asked about grooming gangs. When Montgomerie brought up a recent Channel 4 documentary about five women's stories of being groomed and abused by gangs, Powell replied: 'Oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now, do we? Let's get that dog whistle out, shall we?' Her comment received widespread backlash and Powell, the Labour MP for Manchester Central, was accused of belittling the issue. Powell posted an apology on social media on Saturday night, writing: 'In the heat of a discussion on [Any Questions] I would like to clarify that I regard issues of child exploitation & grooming with the utmost seriousness. I'm sorry if this was unclear. I was challenging the political point scoring around it, not the issue itself. As a constituency MP I've dealt with horrendous cases. This [government] is acting to get to the truth, and deliver justice.' Streeting said Powell's comments were not interpreted as she had intended. Related Stories 1/27/2025 4/10/2025 Speaking on the BBC's 'Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg' programme, the health secretary said: 'She's mortified and, you know, she does not want and would not want people who've campaigned on, or been victims of, these most appalling crimes to think she was in any way trying to undermine those experiences or those arguments. 'I think the point she was trying to make, and the point I would make, is on such a serious issue the more we can take the heat of the politics out of this, and get to the heart of the challenge, the better.' Asked if he and his Labour colleagues see the grooming gangs scandal as a dog-whistle issue or a 'coded signal to racists,' the health minister told Sky News' 'Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips' programme: 'No, and I don't think that's what Lucy intended to imply in a heated debate on Radio 4, and that's why she's apologised for what she said. 'I don't think for a moment she would have meant or wanted to imply that raising these issues, talking about these issues, is dog whistle.' 'We all make mistakes' and the important thing is that 'we own it,' Streeting added. Asked if Powell's job as leader of the House of Commons was safe, he said, 'I think she's made a genuine mistake, she's owned up to it, she's said sorry, and we'll move on.' Montgomerie said Powell's comments were 'clearly ill-judged' but her words have 'wider resonance.' 'There's been a tendency—it's gone on for too long now—to close all sorts of important debates down by throwing that racist charge at people,' Montgomerie told Sky News. He said people feel there is a 'stifling of debate.' 'In the context of grooming gangs, an issue of such consequence, I think it was clearly ill-judged by Lucy Powell, but she was, I think she was keen to have a very strong go at Reform, and I was the representative of Reform that night. 'But unfortunately, the words she chose have wider resonance. 'And I think the only trouble, if she really is to get in trouble [is] if survivors come out in large numbers and object to what she said.' Conservative Co-Chairman Huddleston told Sky News Powell's statement was 'completely inappropriate.' He said: 'Quite frankly, Lucy Powell made quite a lot of silly comments on a whole range of issues. That was one of them. 'This is a really serious issue and to kind of belittle … it is completely inappropriate. 'I think that shows that, unfortunately, Wes Streeting and the Labour Party have underestimated how big an issue this is, how it resonates with the public and how they are angry about what they perceive as this government's lack of action here. 'They made promises about having additional investigations, and now have backtracked on it, and they need to be held to account for that.' Huddleston also insisted the matter needs 'a proper, full inquiry,' adding: 'The public demands that and I just do not understand the reasons why Labour is so reluctant. 'And this is why I'm afraid it does smack of some kind of political cover-up because they're worried that it could do some damage to Labour politicians and Labour councils. 'There's accusations that the Labour councils and some of the Labour areas that were responsible for overseeing some of the activities around here did not take appropriate action, and I think they're embarrassed about that. 'They should be embarrassed about it, to be fair, these are accusations, right? 'They are accusations, but then you clear up the accusations by having a full inquiry.'
