With failure to qualify for the US Masters in only the second time of his career, you would think Colin Montgomerie would bow out gracefully and concentrate on arrangements for his forthcoming marriage, in two weeks time. Monty wouldn’t let it lie though and has questioned the Masters’ invitational policy. Monty was unable to secure a top 50 ranking which would have meant automatic qualification and was upset when the organizers invited an Asian trio, including Jeev Milkha Singh, all ranked lower than him. Montgomerie believes that behind his snub was a commercial decision to maximize revenues by attracting a wider viewing audience in Asia.
Monty claims that his comments were not sour grapes just because he is not in the event and went as far as saying that he was not the only one who felt this way – although other players were not exactly standing shoulder to shoulder, in their support. Now the episode has escalated into a race row with Thailand’s top player Prayad Marksaeng claiming Monty always ignored Asian players. He said, ” “I have no idea why he said that, but maybe he dislikes Asian players – he never talks to Asian players anyway.” Montgomerie’s agent felt it necessary to step in and defend his man to diffuse the row saying Monty, “makes an important contribution around the world in promoting golf.”
Monty has hardly set the tournament alight in his previous appearances so it does make you wonder whether he has the credibility to be making such statements, but I suppose it’s Monty just being Monty- and a whinging Scot again. He’s definitely shot himself in the foot with any remote chance he may have had with entry, so now he’ll just have to concentrate on the wedding list.
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