Colin Montgomerie heads field for first Sicilian Open

Published on Wednesday 2 March 2011 16:29

COLIN Montgomerie has confirmed he'll be in the field for the inaugural Sicilian Open later this month, believing such events are important to the continuing development of the European Tour in its home continent.

"I've always been a great supporter of new events on the European Tour and I'm looking forward to visiting Sicily," said the 47-year-old Scot of the event at Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa from 17-20 March.

Montgomerie hopes the event can help continue the development of an already booming Italian golf scene due to the continued heroics of Matteo Manassero and the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, on the world stage.

"Italian golf is in a strong position at the moment and, hopefully, this tournament will help with this development," added the Ryder Cup-winning captain.

"I'm delighted to lend my support to it and, hopefully, I will be able to contend as well. My game has been improving this year and this will be another opportunity for me to try to win another European Tour title."

The event carries a €1 million prize find and will be the first on the 2011 European Tour schedule to be played on European soil.