Odds stack up against Ryder Cup legend at Gleneagles

Aug 26 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LOCAL hero Colin Montgomerie will again be the centre of attention as the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles tees-up on Thursday, reports Gordon Bannerman.

Dunning-based Monty is chairman of the eagerly-awaited £1.4 million event which reaches a climax on Sunday, with Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo unveiling his eagerly-anticipated wild card picks after the trophy presentation ceremony.

The lure of Ryder Cup points guarantees one of the strongest fields Gleneagles has hosted.

Lining-up alongside Montgomerie will be star names like Lee Westwood, weekend KLM Open winner Darren Clarke, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and defending champion, Marc Warren.

The odds have tilted against Ryder Cup legend Monty making the team this year but the Scot will be desperate to stake a last-gasp claim for a captain’s pick with a successful outing on a course just a few miles from the family home.

Clarke’s return to form in Holland has enhanced the Irishman’s prospects of joining the team bound for Valhalla, with past Gleneagles champion Paul Casey being touted as the other front runner.

It will take something special from Montgomerie to put pressure on Faldo to extend his role as Ryder Cup talisman.

The high profile field is sure to draw crowds to The PGA Centenary Course and local man Graeme Marchbank, Diageo’s head of corporate sponsorship said: “We’re hoping to see crowds of around 35,000 over the four days – weather permitting!

“With the final Ryder Cup points at stake, it is definitely the action on the course that everyone will be interested in.”

Tickets are available at the gate each day and are priced at £19 per adult per day, £16 per concession per day, £38 per adult season and £28 per concession season. Car parking is free.