Colin Montgomerie seeks Ryder Cup opportunity

Colin Montgomerie: 2014 hopes. Picture: Ian Ruterford

“I’ve not been asked to do anything commentary-wise yet – something might come up but nothing as yet,” said the man who was has done it all in the biennial event – as a player, captain and TV analyst.

In the latter role, he was part of the Sky Sports team at Medinah last year, when he also made cameo appearances on some American channels in between.

“Well, I’m round the corner so I’m available,” added the Dunning resident of his hopes of being involved in some capacity when Gleneagles hosts the first Ryder Cup to be staged in Scotland for more than 40 years. “I can cycle in, if need be!”

Montgomerie enjoyed hosting last week’s Turkish Airlines Open at his Maxx Royal Course in Belek, where healthy crowds turned out for the country’s first official European Tour event.

It was unfortunate that heavy rain took all the sting out of the course, hence a winning aggregate of 24-under-par from Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, but the course designer was pleased with the overall feedback from his peers.

“Even Augusta gets easier when it gets softer,” he noted. “Hopefully they’d like to bring this event back here next year and, fingers crossed, they’ll find a course that is a lot firmer.

“The feedback generally has been very positive. There are 77 critics [the players] out there and generally they’ve been very positive. Not just about the golf course but the whole resort. They’ve enjoyed the Maxx Royal Hotel, the Voyage Hotel, the hospitality, the food – the whole thing has been first class.

“I think is has exceeded expectations in terms of people’s views on Turkey. I think players and caddies are looking at coming here on summer holidays and why not?”

While Montgomerie finished well down the field in his first European Tour appearance since June, the 50-year-old is adamant he can still make his presence felt in occasional future forays.

“The standard is very good out here now. They’re fitter, they’re stronger and they’re working harder at their games,” said the eight-times European No 1. But I can still compete here if I putt well, which I didn’t this week. Jim Furyk shot 59 on the PGA Tour this year and he was the shortest off the tee that particular week.”