Montgomerie has failed to qualify for the Open this year but his presence at Sandwich has hardly been spectral. He has given advice, given a press conference and prevailed in the most exacting of circumstances . . . the fun golf area on the course where he extricated himself from a bunker so steep Lochaber Mountaineering Club were only half-way up it.
Monty, of course, did not qualify for a prize from escaping from this replica of the Road Hole bunker but was given a certificate which he has proudly shown to everyone he meets. Legend.
- The list of invited officials contains the intriguing name of Slugger White, of the US PGA Tour. Bubba, the Eagle’s American mate, says he is one of the best rules officials in the game. Bald Eagle, scarred by a Glesca childhood, wonders at Mr White’s enforcement policy, though.
- A golfing magazine has profiled Martin Laird, Scotsman made good. It states he has never played a pro tournament “south of the Scottish Marches”. The Eaglet was shocked, believing it was a reference to July 12 and Larkhall.
- Phil Mickelson’s driving has been a source of comment at this year’s Open. Stewards at his practice sessions have been advising spectators to wear helmets as Oor Phil has sprayed the ball about with all the control of a bull shopping for new crockery. He displayed the lightest of touches yesterday, however. His courtesy car, a BMW, was wedged in a morass of vehicles in the players’ parking area. Oor Phil extricated it with nary a glance at mirrors and without a scratch. This will come in useful when he has to make a hasty exit, hopefully not on Friday afternoon.
- And back to Monty. Much chuckling at the comment by Peter Alliss after Monty endured a painful moment at Castle Stuart. Looking at the Scot’s pained expression, Alliss quipped: “Someone has just started a tractor somewhere south of Paisley.”
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