Colin Montgomerie Calls Out ‘Drinking Culture In America’ As Reason Europe Won’t Win Next Ryder Cup
Colin Montgomerie Calls Out ‘Drinking Culture In America’ As Reason Europe Won’t Win Next Ryder Cup
In a week rife with tension and drama, European golf legend Colin Montgomerie, often referred to as ‘Monty,’ has stirred the pot by suggesting it’s high time for Tiger Woods to retire. Montgomerie’s comments quickly caught fire in the media, leading to a fiery retort from Woods.
Tiger Woods, never one to shy away from defending his legacy, swiftly put Monty in his place. In his characteristic forthright manner, Woods highlighted that as a former champion, he enjoys the privilege of being exempt from qualifying until he turns 60. This privilege, Woods pointedly noted, is something Montgomerie never earned, given that his best finish at the Open Championship was second place in 2005—ironically, to Woods himself, who clinched victory at St. Andrews that year.
Just days before his controversial remarks about Woods, Montgomerie gave another interview with Rick Broadbent of The Times. In this discussion, the Scotsman appeared to take a jab at American drinking culture, implying it could be a factor in Team Europe’s potential loss to Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
It’s rather ironic for someone from the UK to critique American drinking habits. Unlike the UK, where pub culture is deeply ingrained in society, the American way of life doesn’t revolve around such traditions.
Despite the recent controversy, I hold a certain fondness for Colin Montgomerie. I had the privilege of interviewing him last summer, just before Team USA’s unexpected loss at the Rome Ryder Cup. Monty struck me as a genuinely nice guy with a sharp sense of humor. I suspect his recent comments were made in jest and perhaps didn’t translate well in print. However, implying that Team Europe might lose due to “drunk Americans cheating” crosses a line.
The reality is, Team USA is poised to win because they are simply the superior squad. I am so confident in their victory that Montgomerie’s comments have spurred me to action—I just signed up for advance ticket alerts for the Ryder Cup. I’ll be there, decked out in red, white, and blue, cheering on our team with all the fervor of a true American fan.
It’s clear that Montgomerie’s attempt to stir the pot has only added fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry. But one thing is for sure—come 2025, the competition at Bethpage Black will be one for the ages.
