Colin Montgomerie has confirmed his participation in The Celtic Manor Wales Open in 2005. The Scotsman is keen to return to the host venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup, for which he is being widely tipped as a contender for the captaincy of the European Team.
Montgomerie’’s name is sure to go down in history as synonymous with The Ryder Cup, given that he is the fourth highest European points scorer in the history of the Samuel Ryder Trophy, behind 2008 European Team Captain, Nick Faldo, 2004’’s victorious Captain, Bernhard Langer, and Seve Ballesteros, who led Europe to victory in 1997.
Having put himself in serious contention for The Celtic Manor Wales Open title last year with his opening three rounds of 67-68-69, Montgomerie lost touch with eventual champion Simon Khan and his play-off opponent, Paul Casey, during the final round.
This year, The Celtic Manor Wales Open is being played on Celtic Manor’’s Roman Road course as preparations for The 2010 Ryder Cup continue, and Montgomerie is keen to maintain his challenge for the title all the way to the 72nd hole.
He said: “Once again, it is going to be a pleasure to return to The Celtic Manor Wales Open. Although I was happy with my opening three rounds last year, I lost touch to a couple of guys who were playing some pretty superb golf on that final day. I was pretty happy with a 68 on the Friday but obviously Simon Khan deservedly took most of the plaudits. His incredible 61, probably would have won him the tournament without the need for a play-off, had Paul Casey not played supremely well to chase him down.
"So far this year, I’’m pretty happy with my form. I’’ve had four top ten finishes out of five, coming eleventh in the other. It would be lovely to be able to push on and get a result at The Celtic Manor Wales Open.”
Jon Phelps, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at The Celtic Manor Resort said: “It’’s a real privilege to be able to confirm Colin Montgomerie’’s participation in The Celtic Manor Wales Open 2005. There is no doubt that Colin was one of the main reasons that we were able to attract record crowds of just under 50,000 for the four days of tournament play last year.
“This year, there is a new challenge for all of the players coming to the resort as the ongoing development of the course for The Ryder Cup in 2010 has enabled us to host the tournament on our Roman Road course. With 2010 in mind, I think that Colin’’s third successive appearance at The Celtic Manor Wales Open underlines our commitment to attracting the best of European golfers to the event.”
