Monty recognised for Ryder Cup exploits

Winning captain named BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year

Victorious European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has been recognised for his achievement in Wales after being named BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year award.

The Scot, the man behind Europe’s momentous 14½-13½ victory over the United States at Celtic Manor, beat off competition from Blackpool manager Ian Holloway – who guided his side to the Premier League – and England cricket coach Andy Flower.

“It is an honour to be here again and receive this award on behalf of 12 fantastic payers and coaches who got us prepared just that bit better than the opposition,” said the 47-year-old, who attended the glitzy event in Birmingham with wife Gaynor.

“It was a fantastic year for European golf, we’ve never been in ruder health, I’m privileged to be here to receive this on behalf of the European Tour.”

Though Montgomerie, a Ryder Cup hero himself, led by example, he enlisted the help of Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Sergio Garcia to offer their knowledge as vice captains, whilst Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal was a late addition to the backroom staff.

The Scot proudly displayed an image of Seve Ballesteros and Olazabal in action at the 1987 Ryder Cup as inspiration, whilst Ballesteros himself spoke to the players by telephone ahead of the match.

In further tribute to the team’s success at Celtic Manor, the European side also picked up the Team of the Year gong, beating England’s cricket team and Chelsea Football Club to the title.

However, newly crowned world No.1 Lee Westwood and reigning US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, who secured the winning point in the Ryder Cup, missed out on the main award, which went to jockey AP McCoy, winner of this year’s Grand National.

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