Colin Montgomerie adds Indian event to schedule

AS he prepares for his over-50s debut in the Senior Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July, Colin Montgomerie has added an event to his schedule.

The eight-times European No 1 will make his debut in the Avantha Masters in India when the €1.8million event takes place for the first time at Jaypee Greens Golf Course in Greater Noida in a fortnight’s time.

Montgomerie is already involved in the design of a new course in Goa and said he hopes to “play my part in the development of the game in India”.

“I have always found the people to be both very friendly and enthusiastic about golf,” he added. “Hopefully the crowds will come along to support the tournament and show that golf in India is enjoying a real popularity boom.”

Meanwhile, Montgomerie’s course at Carton House near Dublin will play host to Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell later this year after both confirmed their participation in the Irish Open there on 27-30 June.

The pair will join world No 1 Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington as they attempt to become the first home winner of the event since Shane Lowry’s dramatic victory as an amateur at County Louth in 2009.