Montgomerie joins Ryder Cup heroes in St Andrews

Victorious Ryder Cup captain lines up for unique pro-am event

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie resumes his playing career at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after success against the Americans at Celtic Manor.

The Scot, who has already indicated he wants to play in the next Ryder Cup, will be joined by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, both Molinari brothers, Padraig Harrington, Ross Fisher and Peter Hanson.

This represents three-quarters of the team that provided a thrilling 14½ -13½ victory over the USA in Wales.

The $5million event, which follows a unique pro-am format, is played over three of Scotland’s most celebrated courses: St Andrews’ Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

And while Montgomerie will be looking to revitalise his competitive game after devoting much of the past two years to Ryder Cup preparation, Westwood has a much greater prize at stake in St Andrews.

Should the Englishman – who took two-and-a-half points from four against the USA in Wales – finish in the top two, he would become the new world No.1, ending Tiger Woods’ 278-week tenure at the top. However, the 37-year-old indicated he is remaining focussed on the task in hand.

“I have to concentrate on this championship. It’s easy to get distracted and not be able to refocus after last week,” said Westwood.

“Going to No.2 on Monday and having a chance to go to No.1, I could get drawn towards that as well. But if I take care of business on the golf course this week, then the world No.1 ranking takes care of itself.

“It would be nice to get the top spot. You can sit in the corner on your own and just think, ‘I’m the best in the world at what I do’. There are not many people who have earned the accolade.

“I have been playing golf for a long time and I know how hard it is and to be able to say that would be nice for me.”

Unlike any other event on the European Tour schedule, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship incorporates two separate competitions an individual professional tournament and a team event in which the pros are paired with some notable amateur golfers.

Amongst the celebrities taking part this year are TV stars Hugh Grant and Kyle MacLachlan, as well as sports stars Ruud Gullit, Jamie Redknapp and Sir Bobby Charlton.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered