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High praise: Colin Montgomerie lauded Rory McIlroy for reaching world No.1. Photo: Andy Forman.

Ryder Cup-winning captain excited by exploits of ‘very special talent’ Rory

Former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has lavished praise upon Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman climbed to the world No.1 spot by winning the Honda Classic at PGA National in Florida.

McIlroy, 22, became the second youngest player to take the top spot, ending Luke Donald’s 40-week rein atop the standings. His 12-under-par total gave him his sixth professional victory and, with it, first place on the Official World Golf Rankings.

And Montgomerie, who captained McIlroy in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, admitted he was impressed with he saw from the reigning US Open champion.

“There’s a very special talent in Rory McIlroy, the kind that you only see once in a generation,” said Monty. “He seems to be able to cope with the added pressure that comes from the media and so on. He’s got this great confidence without being arrogant. He has matured very, very quickly. In fact, I don’t think it’s wrong to say that Rory two years ago wouldn’t have won this tournament, yet now, he wins with ease.”

What made McIlroy’s win all the more impressive with the fact that he held off a stunning last round charge by Tiger Woods, who shot his lowest-ever final round on the PGA Tour, a 62, to finish tied for second, two shots behind McIlroy.

Monty also reserved some praise for the embattled Woods.

“It’s great to have Tiger back,” said Montgomerie. “What we saw there was glimpses of the Woods of old. It will be very interesting to see what happens at the Masters now, with him playing so well again and all of the other top players producing the goods this year, too.”

Montgomerie was speaking at the Gleneagles launch of this year’s ‘Monty’s monthly medal’, which is open to all clubs. They are encouraged to run their own qualifying round and even held in tandem with an existing event, up until July 22.

With almost 540 clubs in Scotland and competition entries costing £3, which goes straight to the foundation, this event could potentially raise a quarter of the new Maggie Centre’s remaining target amount.

Monty added: “It was great to see so many golfers and golf club supporting the event last year, from as far North as Inverness down to Dumfries in the South.

“The feedback I got from players who took part in the final was fantastic. I really enjoyed meeting all the competitors and they’ve all gone back to their clubs to promote the event so hopefully we can get many more clubs and golfers involved this time around.

“The cause is obviously one which is close to my heart, but one which affects so many people in Scotland. We want to ensure as much support as possible for those suffering from cancer, and their families, so I’m sure the golfing community will help us towards out fundraising goals.”

The fundraising competition is entering its second year Monty plans to continue to work closely with the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation.

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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

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