Monty backing McIlroy’s decision to reduce European Tour presence

Rory McIlroy has found an unlikely ally in his decision to cut back his presence on the European Tour next year – Colin Montgomerie.
It may come as a surprise that a former seven-time European Tour order of merit winner is supportive of a decision that would see a top player like McIlroy reduce his playing time in Europe, but as far as Monty is concerned, the Northern Irishman has made the right move.
McIlroy has come under fire for revealing his intention to play more on the PGA Tour, but Montgomerie agrees with McIlroy’s reasoning, which is all about putting himself in the best possible position to win more majors.
That’s because he believes McIlroy is of more value to the European Tour if he keeps winning major trophies – something he hasn’t been able to do since 2014.
“He’s come in for criticism from some parts,” Montgomerie said while attending a recent golf clinic at Edinburgh’s Braid Hills Golf Centre.
“But we are self-employed and Rory feels the best way for him to progress and win majors is in that environment in America where there are three majors.
“We’ll see if that decision bears fruit. The European Tour will be disappointed, we all are, because he and Justin Rose are the biggest draws. But we only come together every 104 weeks.
“If Rory goes and wins a couple more majors and Justin too, Europe’s on a bit of a high again and the other players benefit from their success.
“So Mr Average European Tour player is hoping Rory does very well.
“Although the rules say you can’t be Ryder Cup captain now unless you’re a European Tour member, he’s probably hoping that in 20 years time that rule might have changed.
“But I don’t think he’s interested in captaincy right now. He’s interested in winning as many majors as he can. “The captaincy for McIlroy is off the charts time-wise and that’s understandable. It’s good for the European Tour when our guys are winning majors.
“Faldo’s majors were great for the tour, so were Seve’s – 11 between them. It was a great time. We also had Langer, Woosie and Sandy back in the late 80s and early 90s when we dominated. It’s more sparse now, which makes what Rory does next all the more important.”
Montgomerie also acknowledges the decision is a double-edged sword, as skipping the European Tour’s Desert Swing in order to focus entirely on preparing for the Masters in America will put more pressure on McIlroy to deliver in the year’s first major.
“The whole idea of playing in these non-European events to get the game honed just for Augusta puts the pressure right on himself,” said Monty.
“But every time he goes to Augusta there will be that pressure.
“Greg Norman had it, trying to win at Augusta. He couldn’t do it from six shots ahead.
“Rory was four ahead and couldn’t do it. So the more he goes there and doesn’t do it, and the more intensive the preparation, God you’re under pressure.
“Sometimes it’s better to just turn up on a Wednesday morning and go for it, you know?
“It might work. Don’t get me wrong, it might. But it might not.
“The Augusta thing is huge for him. After he didn’t win this year, it just gets difficult to get up again – even for the US Open because he’s won that before.
“It’s a big deal to win all four majors. It was a big deal for me to finish second in all four!”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.