Colin Montgomerie's Bahrain course will be tougher test

Published on Tuesday 25 January 2011 15:16

WHILE Martin Kaymer ripped the Abu Dhabi Golf Club course apart in storming to victory in the opening event on the Middle East swing, Colin Montgomerie is confident there won't be a repeat when his course stages this week's tournament, the Volvo Golf Champions, in Bahrain.

The Montgomerie Course at the Royal Golf Club was laid out by the Scot in tandem with European Golf Design and the eight-time European No 1 is looking forward to seeing some of the world's top players test it out for the first time, starting tomorrow.

"We always planned on the Montgomerie Course hosting a European Tour event and to have the prestigious Volvo Golf Champions here is a real thrill," he said. "I am delighted with the end result and I look forward to seeing what the world's best can do."

Kaymer finised an incredible 24 under par in winning in Abu Dhabi on Sunday but Robin Hiseman, the project architect for European Golf Design on the Bahrain course, believes this week's field will have a much tougher examination.

"The Tour pros can't afford to take liberties with Monty's course and, if the wind blows hard, as it often does on the island, then they will have a real battle on their hands. The opening four holes, played into the prevailing wind, is potentially the toughest opening stretch on tour. Par is historically a good round, so it will be fascinating to see the world's best golfers take it on. For sure, they will find that the greens are amongst the most undulating ever seen on Tour."

It is the second time a European Tour event has been staged on a Montgomerie-designed course after the Irish Open was held at Carton House.

Meanwhile, Paul Lawrie, one of the players in the Bahrain field, has signed a sponsorship deal with Aberdeen-based Hunting Energy Services International, a global energy service provider to oil and gas companies.

"I'm delighted to start a relationship with Hunting and look forward to working closely with them to develop the Paul Lawrie Foundation, as I know that they are keen to support the wider community in Aberdeen," said the former Open champion.

lCallum Nicoll, a former Scottish Young Professionals' champion, has earned a place alongside the likes of Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods in the Dubai Desert Classic in a fortnight.

The 28-year-old from Irvine, who is based in Dubai, where he teaches at the Els Club, secured one of two spots up for grabs in the event from a qualifying held at the Majlis course.

The Scot, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Open Championship in 2007, carded a one-under-par 71.

"I think I am going to enjoy playing in such a great field.If I can play to my potential, I see a realistic chance of making the cut," said Nicoll, who was attached to Prestwick when he lifted the Scottish Young Pros' title at Forres in 2006.