Open letter to Monty

Ewen Murray with a message for the Scot about his behaviour - and responses to YOUR feedback.

It's about common decency and humility, not golfing ability

Ewen's open letter to Monty

Monty to apologise I have two weeks off before a hectic last five months of the season. I am of course privileged to be in a post that many golfers would love to be in, but as these two weeks start, I am not as happy as I should be because of my writings on one of our greatest ever European golfers. The words I have had to write on Colin Montgomerie's on-course behaviour have made me feel a little bit of a heel, a sneak, yet if I had not written them, I would be shirking my duty. Thanks to all who have replied to my last column on skysports.com, 'The Foul Monty'. Mark Armstrong, a fellow Scot was honest to say he has not always agreed with my analysis and comments. That's the way it should be Mark, because we should all be allowed to voice our opinions. Like you, I wanted Monty to win a major for our homeland, and it is my wish that his great career is rewarded by joining that exclusive club. Who knows, maybe it will still happen. When Mark Roe, one of my fellow commentators, criticised Sergio Garcia's pitching at the London Club, you read me like a book. That was Mark's honest opinion, although again, like you, I could not agree with that. His short game and approach work was so good on that final day that he required only 21 putts in a best of the day 66. If Garcia had been doing that over the last 10 years, Tiger would have found a worthy opponent, because Garcia is the best shot maker in the game today. To Steve Dawes, I think the authorities will look at the incident at the European Open and will act accordingly. Steve, I can tell you that if you ask most of the players who are in the frame for Valhalla, who should be a wild card for the Ryder Cup, the majority will say, Colin Montgomerie. To be fair, Colin's record speaks for itself. The trouble is, off the course, you could not meet a nicer chap. He is articulate, caring and wait for it, his manners are impeccable.

Intelligent

He's intelligent, well-spoken and can talk about most current affair subjects. As a dinner guest, he is great value. It's just when he boards the first tee, he is akin to an angry incredible hulk. Why?, I'm sorry Steve, I don't have the answer to that. David Levy has had a close view of Monty in full flow. I guess David, all of the great players down the years have tried not to blame themselves for mistakes. To support Colin here, he is not alone in doing that. Peter Scott said that Darren Clarke would be a better wild card choice for Vallhalla. Peter, its been a bad month for us and as his coach I share the blame for that, but Darren will give his all to make that side, and I think he will do it. Lee Westwood will be hoping that's the case. Michael Robinson backed Monty and said, how many of us are perfect? Mike, I would say few, but being accurate, I would think none. Martin Tyler - although I am sure not my colleague here at Sky Sports - thought that sports psycologist Bob Rotella would have helped Monty. Martin, Monty has had a mind coach since he turned professional and he has been hugely successful with his help. This is about manners learned at home when you were a puppy. It is not about the quality of Colin's golf, it's about all round decency. Jon Gardner says the only person that has stopped Monty winning a major is Colin himself. Jon, no one will argue with that. I liked Paul Wilson's comment that is never too late to change. Monty, listen to that. Kevin McBride wrote in saying Colin was his idol, but is sad that things had gone the way they have, yet Andy Ross backed Monty as did Ken Adams, saying my comments were below the belt. Chris L said Colin was right and so did David Harrop. David went on to say Colin should not have these distractions in his work. David, there were another 154 golfers in the field at the London Club. There is that many every tournament week, during every season. No other player has reacted the way Colin has. No other player has complained about TV personel, because if our team do get out of position, and it can happen with awkward terrain, a quiet nod or wink or smile is sufficient from the player to sort things out quickly and efficiently. So many of you reacted to my controversial column and my thanks to you all for your input, and at the end of the day, Jeff Richardson summed it up perfectly in a short sentence. Sport is bigger than any individual.

An open letter to Colin Montgomerie

Dear Colin, In some ways, I wish I had shut my mouth and let this unfortunate incident pass, but as you know, if I did, I would not be doing my job. This is not about your wonderful career, because as you can see by the reaction, so many of our viewers and readers hold you in high esteem. So they should, as your golfing excellence has given them so many memorable moments which I'm sure they have savoured. I am with them. I have looked at your soft hands on the grip of the club and marvelled at the control you have on the ball flight and the distance it travels. I have watched with admiration the way you have led the Ryder Cup team to magical heights that have given all of us unforgettable memories. Eight order of merits and Ryder Cups, 32 European wins, more than Mr Faldo, which is achievement in itself, and those near misses that with better fortune, could so easily have been turned into major victories. The nights in far away places we have spent at the hotel buffet passing time; Shanghai, Beijing, Akron. Ohio, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Los Angeles. The fun, disappointments, discussions, and what may happen in the future and what may not. I have liked these moments Colin, because I thoroughly enjoy your company. This is not about your game as a professional golfer. You know that as well as I do. This is about normal decency in life. What happened at the London Club was simply unacceptable. I have had some bloody terrible days in my life, most of which were down to me. You had one of these at the London Club, and nobody is as important as you thought you were on that Friday afternoon. I think you will deal with it in the proper manner. It's how you deal with it that is important. I don't need to tell you how to move on from this, and neither do our readers. They have given their time and voiced their opinions and I believe the majority are accurate. The chaps who are on the cusp of making the Ryder Cup side want you in the team. I suspect a high percentage of the readers of this column want the same, so go on, do it, but do it with your undoubted golfing ability coupled with humility and a respect for those around you. I realise I won't be on your Christmas card list in December, but I want you to succeed and finish your career in the fashion it deserves. Apologise now, publicly, and let's move on. Yours Aye, Ewen.