Fair play to Colin Montgomerie, back in The Open for the first time since 2010

Can Monty finally bag a major?

It’s easy to knock Colin Montgomerie. His moody on-course demeanour hasn’t always endeared him to fans, but his passion for the game of golf has never been in question. 

At the age of 53, many golfers would have long since given up on the rigours of Open qualifying and accept that 21 appearances would be their lot. Not Monty.

Having not played in The Open since 2010, Montgomerie still attempts to battle his way through Open qualifying and this year, to his immense credit, he’s made it. 

“It means the world to me, sure it does, and I look forward to playing and am delighted to do so,” said Montgomerie, whose best finish in The Open was second in 2005.”

“Don’t forget I’m the oldest player here and 36 holes in a day can be tough,” added Montgomerie. “I was up at five o’clock this morning.”

Montgomerie secured a place in the field for The Open, which starts on 14 July at Royal Troon.

“This will be my last opportunity to play at Royal Troon because it only comes around once every 12 years,” said Montgomerie, who will be looking to do a lot more than just make up the numbers. 

“It was nice to come here with 72 players, a high-quality field and to finish third, which is all one has to do.”

Could Monty finally break his major duck at the ripe old age of 53?