The last time World Golf Hall of Famer Colin Montgomerie walked outside the ropes at a professional golf tournament was when he was 10 years old.
It was the 1973 Open at Royal Troon won by Tom Weiskopf.
Monty was back outside the ropes on Thursday at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup following Paula Creamer.
He is in town working with Creamer’s new coach – Kevin Craggs - at Troon North and it was his off day.
“Kevin said come down and watch the ladies golf,” said Montgomerie when LPGA.com caught up with him beside the second tee box. “I wanted to see what it is like compared what we do on the Champions Tour and the way the girls play.”
Even after just a few holes, he left awfully impressed.
“I’m very impressed with all the fans here,” said the 31-time winner on the European Tour. “The whole set up is great. I walked past the player area, the media center, the range facility. I think it’s fantastic. I’m really, really impressed.”
He was also impressed with the quality of golf.
“According to Kevin, they (LPGA players) hit the ball more on the middle of the club face than any of the men’s tours do,” said Montgomerie. “It’s a much more consistent shot into the greens, they don’t make mistakes. It’s interesting to see.”