Is Monty starting to lose it?

[Atticus_Finch]

After Monty's latest episode, (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24153634-2865,00.html) it seems to me that the pressure of trying to make Faldo's team is starting to get to him. This is nothing new to Monty,(We all know that!) but it's starting to happen all too frequently these days and it's becoming a bit more sinister.
I've always defended Monty in the past and always supported him in his bid to finally grab the elusive major, but more and more these days he's disappointed me and he's letting himself down not only on the course these days, but off it now as well.
His behaviour last month at the European Open was indefensible. Play the clip on this page>>>>>>(http://www.skysports.com/experts/expert_story/0,19793,12065_3789677,00.html)
Two months ago I would have said that you would have HAD to have Monty on the team. Now, I wouldn't touch him with a bargepole.

 

[Gazzery]

In my humble oppinion until Monty sorts out his mental attitude, and stops blaming everything/one else, and lose some weight and gets fitter he will not be able to compete at the top.

 

[TonyN]

That clip makes me cringe.

Its Like a minor Celebrity turning up to a night club and expecting to jump the que with the famous 'Do you know who I am' Line.

I lost all respect I had for Monty when that happened, I always had a special little place in my heart for him as duff as he is. But not anymore.

As was quite rightly written in that column No one but no one is as big as he thought he was.

Really Hope he doesn't make the team now because if he does, and he has a bad day, he could damage the image of european golfers badly.

He reminded me of that guy on the course who plays twice a year, topps every tee shot, fats every wedge and blames everything from the grass being so green to the idiot who put the pond in the middle for no reason.

 

[DCB]

It's no real surprise. Monty is unfortunately past his best, he will of course still be able to put together the odd good week now and again, but he has to look at what he is doing and work out if that is what he really wants to do. If he continues in this way he will quickly become a freak show, people will want to see the "former no1" in all sorts of trouble and that is just not good for the game or for Monty.

As for that elusive major, that's never going to happen now, his best chance was two years ago, so he just has to face facts, he's an old man in a young man's game.

Let's hope that he doesn't turn into a freak show, after all he has been out best and most consistent golfer for some time.

 

[Imurg]

No, he's not starting to lose it - he's lost it.

I remember seeing him at the Belfry last year waiting on the fairway on the 18th for the green to clear. The group ahead were to be be fair taking an age to finish but monty was striding up and down, waving his arms about and snarling etc etc. Any golfer knows you can't hit a good shot when you're fuming like that and sure enough he put it short in the bunker. His playing partner just accepted the delay and chatted to his caddie, waited his turn and stuck it 2 feet from the hole. That's how to do it.

If Monty wants to continue at the top level - mind you 20 over in any tournament, even a Major, can't really be considered top! - he's really got to sort himself out and just chill a bit. The world doesn't revolve around him and its about time he realised that...

 

[theeaglehunter]

The trouble is after such great success on the european tour over the last decade I think he is finding it difficult to accept he can no longer compete at the top level and is not disappearing discreetly off our screens but leaving whilst kicking and screaming. A less than admirable and somewhat unfitting exit for a golfer who I have always admired and has achieved so much. That is the first time I watched that clip and it is unbelievable- nobody is bigger than the game of golf and for Colin to say that even if it was claimed it was a slip of the tongue in the heat of the moment is a disgrace. I will always have a certain degree of respect for the man, but this incident no doubt has lowered it. And as for snapping at yet another journalist I think it is yet another demonstration of his fragile temperament caused by his reluctance to accept defeat. It used to be a somewhat comic affair when Monty would glare at a spectator if he even murmured during a practice swing and people accepted this as being part of his character but to be honest with these most recent of out crys it is difficult to see a positive light- it is defenseless, inexcusable and less than professional.

 

[medwayjon]

nobody can deny that the man is a legend, one of the all time greats. 8 order of merits with 7 in succession makes him a true golfing god regardless of the fact that he has never won a major.

However, Monty needs to stop playing now in my eyes, he is clearly a spent force on the golf course and his mental state seems to be getting worse and worse. Surely it is better to walk away with dignity and respect than to disappear under a huge cloud of ill-feeling and negativity which I fear is what will happen.

Monty should stop playing competitive golf immediately, enjoy some time with his friends & family, concentrate on his business interests and then when he is 50, go and earn a good few quid on the seniors tour where I feel he would be truly prolific.

As for the Ryder cup, I have no belief whatsoever that monty will be part of the team, If he was I think it would be a tremendous cock-up.

 

[RGuk]

No, he's not starting to lose it - he's lost it.

Sadly, I agree. Monty can still throw in a good round (as can my club pro and any geezer off scratch) but to my mind (and yes, I am a fan) it's all over. Sad, but these old timers need to decide what they want; either practice to the exclusion of everything else or do all the other stuff and accept your cheque for making the cut.

 

[rgs]

I did feel as though we needed Monty's experience in the Ryder Cup but i now beleive he would be a distraction. Its time for Sergio, Harrington, Westwood to become the leaders on the course and let them lead the youngsters like Monty did in previous Ryder Cups.

 

[Jonny_Stevenson]

That little video clip is horrendous. I cannot believe how up his own arse he is.

 

[shanker]

In my humble oppinion until Monty sorts out his mental attitude, and stops blaming everything/one else, and lose some weight and gets fitter he will not be able to compete at the top.

I think you've hit nail on the head, Gazzery. Monty is getting on and has never been physically fit. Having said that, he's certainly performed better than me as a golfer.
BTW do you play at Weymouth or Came Down? We might know each other.
Regards
Shanker.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The game is up for Monty but sadly I think his own over inflated ego will mean he won't accept he is past his peak and he will remain on the cicuit for several years to come much as Baleesteros di, until it becomes an embarrassment and he skulks away with his reputation shot.

He could get away with a lack of fitness ten years ago although it is probably what hindered him most in seeking a major win, especially in some of those really humid US events. Now however with even the likes of Westwood and Clarke becoming savvy enough to get into the gym it is just another factor that will speed up his decline.

In my opinion Monty has always had a big opinion of himself and I've ever liked his negative mentality and always looking for someone or something to blame for a poor shot. To be fair though at the height of his pwers he was a wonderful striker of a ball with a great touch for such a large man and when he could putt he was mecurial on the greens. Sadly those days are over. See the light Monty. Go and enjoy married life and your course designing and other ventures. Reflect on your game and attitude and if you still want to be competitive come back when you can play on the seniors.

 

[andiritchie]

alot of players seem to hit another peak and get some passion back into their games in their 40s look at vj,jimenez and kenny perry,might be just me but he does not look like he enjoying being there

 

[Jonny_Stevenson]

I think it's incredibly sad that he appears to be rounding off what really has been an exceptional career in such a bitter fashion.

I still maintain that if he'd really focused harder at some of the key "Tiger factors" such as fitness, mind game and practice he'd have easily won a few majors. His natural talent is immense but clearly so is his appetite for cake.

 

[viscount17]

Monty has several problems;
His 'major' game has gone.
He is of an age where there are no competitions in which he can compete.
He has blown any chance of being a commentator/pundit.
If he fades away for a while until he is 50 and eligible for the Masters he will never return.
He can't bear to be 'anonymous'

and I used to like to watch him now it's embarrassing

 

[OldWindy]

If he's not careful he'll lose everyone's respect - very sad goings on from Monty.

 

[RGuk]

His natural talent is immense but clearly so is his appetite for cake.

 

[Cernunnos]

Monty Has been a great player.Yes he could be a fairly decent player again, however he really needs to address certain issues, the biggest of which is himself, his ego & his outspokeness. Oddly its just this that could mean reagardless of what people currently think of him, would make him a good comentator.

If Monty did get chosen for the ryder cup I think we might see a bit of the old Monty & its something he needs to feel again to get his game back in any way shape or form.

However I really cannot see Faldo & his ego letting Monty & his ego get that chance.

I actually admire Monty for daring to be different & expressing himself in the outspoken way he is prepared to do so, regardless of his lack of tact at times.But he really is his own worst enemy right now.

 

[BunkerMentality123]

My respect for Monty vanished when at the BMW championship Bunker Junior politely asked for an autograph in the designated area and was promptly pushed aside (literally). I have to say we exchanged words at which time I pointed out how rude he was. Needless to say he never did sign that autograph.

 

[Cernunnos]

Rude maybe, but people pestering players for autographes , hats gloves & all manner of things 24/7 must get tiresome for players, If you'd had a bad round of golf you'd be a bit crotchety...

Though I will add he can be extremely tactless at times & clearly won no fans in your family that day.

As I say he is his own worst enemy & a fool unto himself at times.