Monty agrees to new role at London Scottish GC

Ryder Cup star to be captain of third oldest golf club in England

With two senior major championships to defend this year and his continuing presence as a contributor to Sky Sports’ golf coverage, you would think Colin Montgomerie would have enough on his plate having said goodbye to full-time golf on the European Tour - but the big Scot is still heavily involved in the game at all levels. Monty, 51, has agreed to become captain of London Scottish Golf Club, the third oldest club in England.

Members of the club, based near the windmill on Wimbledon Common, formally voted Montgomerie into the post at their annual general meeting, after he accepted the offer to become captain for 2015/2016.

Monty is the second former Ryder Cup captain to be associated with London Scottish following Scotland’s George Duncan, a member of the club in the 1920s. He captained GB&I to Ryder Cup success in 1929.

SCHEDULE

The former European Tour No.1 finished second on the Champions Tour money list in the States last season and was also the runaway money leader on the last year’s European Seniors Tour, despite only playing three regular events in Europe outwith the majors.

But the members are hopeful he will be able to make an appearance or two at the club during his year in post. “Colin’s a busy man and, of course, we’re not expecting him to play the full role that a captain normally does, but we’re honoured that he accepted the offer and it’s a great way to celebrate our 150th year,” said club member David Groom, who will be vice captain to Monty this year.

One of Montgomerie’s first duties will be to address May’s annual Club Supper, at which prizes are given out and members sit down to a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties. Although Monty will be in America at the time, he is recording a message to be played on the night.

London Scottish GC was founded in 1865 by members of the London Scottish Volunteer Rifles (now the London Scottish regiment), who were stationed on Wimbledon Common. There are only two older clubs in England, Royal Blackheath and Royal North Devon.

The club has a number of special events planned for its celebratory 150th year, including a hickory match on the common in which players will use ancient clubs and wear old-fashioned clothing. It is also promoting a limited £595 a year seven-day membership deal and is marketing 20 international life memberships.

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill has teamed up with Monty to create a new collection of links-inspired leisurewear designed to be worn either on the course or in the clubhouse.

With a mix of natural materials specially selected by the legendary Scot, and an approved colour palette, the new season’s menswear collaboration finds inspiration in the coastal setting of the world-renowned British links courses.

COMFORTABLE

Complete with the official Colin Montgomerie tartan branding and logos, the capsule collection encompasses everything from Springlambswool knits to 100% cotton polo shirts, offering style and comfort for golfers and non-golfers alike.

“Creating stylish, comfortable clothing was a must for me,” said Monty, pictured right and below wearing the new apparel. “I see some players who are uncomfortable in their clothing and it affects their game, but if you feel good and you look good on the course, then you’re half way there.

“I also wanted the collection to stand out off the course, and I think we’ve created some wonderful pieces, which will appeal to non-golfers too.”

The Colin Montgomerie Collection is available in up to 105 stores across the UK and online.

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