Monty launches foundation fundraising drive

Ryder Cup captain urges golfers to enter one of ‘Monty’s Monthly Medals’

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie is urging golfers to get behind his charity foundation – and win themselves a place in the crowd for the Ryder Cup opening ceremony in October.

The Scot has announced a new fundraising drive for the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, a charity he set up in honour of his late mother, who dies of the disease, in partnership with the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

The new campaign will see him write to every golf club in the UK, inviting to turn one of their monthly medal competitions between now and September into a Monty’s Monthly Medal.

Boasting a whole host of exciting prizes, including a chance to attend a practice session and the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in the captain’s hospitality on September 30.

And if that wasn’t enough, Monty has also pledged to visit any winning club in the country for a half-day junior coaching session.

“I established the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation to support people with cancer after my mother dies of the disease,” he said. “I was determined to help people in the same situation and the first time I walked into a Maggie’s Centre I immediately thought, ‘what a difference this place would have made to my mum’.

“This is why I am working with the organisation to build two centres. I have spoken with many people who visit Maggie’s and they have told me about the unique mix of practical, emotional and psychological support they receive and I know what a difference that makes to people living with cancer.

“Golf has been good to me and I am delighted that I can now give something back by supporting those affected by the disease.

“With Monty’s Monthly Medal there is no change to the existing format of the Medals, all I ask is golf clubs consider allocating one of their monthly medals to the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation and Maggie’s. I’m delighted that Dunning Golf Club, my local club, is the first to sign up online at www.maggiescentres/montywhere you can see your club on the Monty’s Monthly Medal leaderboard.”

Sandy Jones, CEO for the Professional Golf Association, who are endorsing the project said: “The chance to watch a Ryder Cup practice session, the day before the tournament begins is a truly outstanding prize. I hope that golf clubs across the UK will take part in Monty’s Monthly Medals to assist Colin in fundraising for a cause that, I know, is very close to his heart. Together we can all make a difference to people affected by cancer.”

Laura Lee, CEO for Maggie’s, said: “The support from Colin and the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation means an incredible amount to Maggie’s. Monty’s Monthly Medal will increase awareness about Maggie’s throughout the UK and help to raise funds that will allow us to help even more people to live with, through and beyond cancer. I wish everyone all the best for their medal competitions.”

For further information about Monty’s Monthly Medals visit www.maggiescentres/monty orwww.elizabethmontgomerie.org or call 0300 1231801 or email [email protected]

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