Colin Montgomerie Asia is the future

Report by Anand Datla

Colin Montgomerie is in India and he is drawing avid followers of the game like a pied piper. In the country to promote golf and conduct a clinic for children, Montgomerie was forthcoming in his views as he engaged the media in his own inimitable disarming style. Just after working the course for 50 promising young children, the Scot spoke to the media about a host of topics, including the independence vote in Scotland, the decision of the Royal & Ancient to admit women members and the future of the game.

“Golf in America and Europe, I think, has stagnated in the last 10 years,” said Montgomerie in a sincere tone. “The future of the game is in Asia. I am not saying this because I am here but that is the truth. That we have an Asian winner of a Major, Y.E. Yang, is proof of that and we feel there is more to come. If it’s more from India, great, if more from other parts of Asia, great.”

Montgomerie treated the children – some of the most promising young golfers in the country – to a lesson in the short game before meeting with the golf team that was headed to Incheon for the Asian Games. “China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, India have all come up well. I see India are going to Korea to compete in the Asian Games and I wish them all the success. And it would be great to see an Indian champion, a real world champion. I possibly saw that this morning,” added the 51 year old golfer. “I was very impressed with the level and the standard of play this morning.”

When probed about his views on his stance with this week’s independence vote in Scotland, Montgomerie was equally forthcoming. “Its nice not to need a new passport when I go home. I can use my United Kingdom passport and I am glad to do that,” said Montgomerie. “Although a very proud Scot, I am also proud to be a British. There was no reason to leave the union to be a proud Scot,” he added.

The eight time Order of Merit winner on the European tour was also asked about the decision at St. Andrews to admit women members into the 260 year old club. “They had the vote on Thursday to allow the women and that was great. It should have happened 150 years ago, never mind now. That was a yes vote for women and I also won a no vote for Scotland. So the yes and the no have both succeeded,” said Montgomerie, with a warm smile.

Apologies: There was an editorial error by me in reporting this piece with Mickelson in it. Apologies for the error.