Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 23, 1963, Colin Stuart Montgomerie, or more endearingly called simply ‘Monty,’ is unarguably one of Europe’s greatest and most accomplished golfers. Boasting a career filled with significant milestones, Monty is both respected and admired for his incredible talent and competitive spirit on the golf course.
Inspired by his father who served as the Secretary Manager of the Royal Troon Golf Club, Monty found his passion in golf early on. And though he initially planned life as a lawyer, life took a more verdant path towards golfing greens. After his studies at the Houston Baptist University where he won various amateurs and seemed destined for a future in Law, Monty surprisingly found himself being drawn to the golf courses more often. This resulted in the critical decision that marked the beginning of his professional golf career in 1987.
The year that he turned pro, Monty joined the European Tour and showed talent that was hard to ignore. His career trajectory took off swiftly, and he became the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
Through the 90s, Monty dominated the European Tour, winning numerous titles and becoming the first Briton to top the Order of Merit, a feat he then repeated seven times. His consistency and accuracy were unparalleled. His stellar shot-making and course management skills were evident in his countless remarkable performances.
However, his story isn’t only about victories and crowns. A key chapter in Monty’s tale revolves around his encounters with the Major Championships. Despite 31 victories on the European Tour, a major title eluded him. He finished second or tied for second in five majors. Despite this seeming setback, Monty held his head high. Regarded as the best player never to have won a major, he always maintained a level of sportsmanship and grace that fans and fellow players alike admired. In the absence of a major victory, Monty found immense success in Ryder Cup – a prestigious event that is a true test of perseverance and teamwork.
Colin’s Ryder Cup contributions define a significant part of his golfing career. His record in the Ryder Cup is enviable, with the Scot never losing a singles match, making him a force to reckon with. In 2010, he attained another career height when he captained the victorious European Ryder Cup team, further stamping his legacy on the sport.
Off the golf course, Monty is known for his charity work. He established the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation in memory of his mother, which focuses on cancer care and support. He’s been open about the effects of his mother’s death to his game and personality, and has used this personal experience to fuel his philanthropic ventures, creating a legacy beyond golf.
Post-50, Monty transitioned to senior golf and continued to demonstrate his extraordinary talent. Since joining the Champions Tour in 2013, he has clinched three major victories. Even now, in his quieter senior years, Monty’s passion for golf is undiminished, and his talent, unmistakable.
Colin Montgomerie’s career serves as a beacon of consistency, perseverance, and extraordinary talent. He wove a path that was uniquely his own, defying traditions and setting new benchmarks. And even though some would scrutinize his career for the absence of a Major victory, it hardly matters when he has been such a fixture in the world of golf, inspiring countless emerging talents and earning his place among golf’s greats. Today, his cigar in hand, ‘Monty’ remains a beloved figure on the green – a testament to his enduring skill and popularity in the world of golf. His longevity in the sport and indomitable spirit serve as an enduring inspiration for golfers worldwide.